Dawn Blair's Jewelry and Eclectica Blog

Wire Wrapping 101- an overly detailed account!

2012-02-02T02:32:00.003-06:00

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I use 20 gauge and 26 gauge wire here.

Wrap 26 gauge wire around the three support wires. The three wires need to stay flat and parallel. You can use blue painter's tape on either side of where you intend to wrap to hold the wires in place. Trim off the ends ensuring that they are both on the same side of the main support wires. Tap down the ends with your soft jaw pliers.

Now you may begin to form the wires around the cabochon or focal bead. This is an initial general shaping.

Holding the first bind in place with your soft jaw pliers, bend the front outside wire to angle against the bind.

Then repeat on the other side of the same wire

Bend the same wire back toward the outside and repeat on the other side of the same wire. This wire will be the support for the front side of your frame.

Repeat the same steps with the opposite wire. This will be the support for the back side of your frame.

The center wire will follow the perimeter of the stone and be the contact point for where the front and back wires will be joined together, holding in the stone.

Now is a great time to slip the stone in the frame and adjust fit.

You'll need to make a secondary bind on either side to hold the stone in place.

You will find that it is a little more challenging to keep the frame wires side by side and flat. You can use painter's tape to hold the wires in place. It is always helpful to tap the wires flat with the soft jaw pliers. This will flatten the wires in the bind.

Trim the ends on the inside of the frame. That way they will be hidden and won't catch on clothing when finished.

You may find it easier to make the bind further from the bottom and then slide it into place.

Then it is time to check and adjust the fit again.

Next, bend the outer wires apart that will form the upper half of the frame.

Since these wires will end up bracing the stone, I bend them at a 45 degree angle, rather than straight out.

Then bend wires up toward what will be the top of the stone.

Check the fit and make adjustments.

If you are overzealous when you are trying to get a tight fit on the stone, you can bend or kink the wire.
Take the time to carefully straighten each wire using the soft jaw pliers. It is worth taking the time to fix the problem while you have the chance to do it without the stone in.

This is an awkward part. Bend the wires over the top of the stone and then angle up where the wires pass over the center of the top of the stone. Then repeat on the other side.

You may want to tidy up your binds. Do this with care. As you can see, I chose to do this with my bent nose pliers and ended up scraping the color off when I squeezed too hard. Try instead using a tooth pick or your fingernail which won't result is poor craftsmanship.

At this point, it's not too late. Unwrap the damaged wire and replace it with new. Take the time. Have standards.

When you get the fit you like, tie off the frame wires with 26 gauge wire.

I can see already that I have made the binds uneven. The left one is lower than the right. So, I will have to use other tactics to balance this design.

Spread the wires in preparation for making the bail. I am choosing to make a bail with four wires. But, you can choose any number from one to six. You will have to continually tighten the tie. I try to keep the wires that went around the stone on the right, to the right side of the bail and the left to the left.

Make a bend toward the front of the stone 45 degrees, more or less, with the wires you have chosen to use for the bail.

Then, find something like a dowel or an ink pen to for the wires evenly around. I had a dop stick laying on my table, so that's what I used.

Make a bend outward where the wires align with the top of the stone. This will make tying the bail off easier.

Twist the wire, and then trim to about a quarter inch.

Note, if you twist it too tight, the wire will snap. If this happens, the tie is compromised and must be removed and replaced.

You may find it helpful to put the dowel back in the bail to stabilize the cage while you replace the tie.

As it turns out, the second time binding the tie turns out better.

I decided to add some beads to bring out the magenta wire. Beads are a great way to hide an untidy mess, should that occur.

With the extra wire from tying off the bail, I chose to wrap one of the free wires. My plan is to try to balance the fact that one bind is lower than the other and there is a gap in the binding on the right. What you do with the design can hide some missteps in the earlier planning.

Testing out what I might do with the decorative wire so that I know when to stop wrapping it.

This design element instantly balances the mismatched side binds.

I decide to anchor the decorative element on the back. I trim the wire on the stone side so it won't snag clothing.

The other end of the tie wire, I just wrap around one of the back wires and trim off toward the stone.

Making a nice spiral.

This curly cue will have to be tapped down with the soft jaw pliers.

You can see from the front that the design is now balanced. However, there is a bit of light coming through at the bottom where that hole was drilled.

I like the design and don't want to do much more. So, it is safe to trim off a couple wires.

I leave one wire uncut until I am sure that the wire I am planning to fill the hole with is going to work.

Wire through with no damage, so I am free to trim the remaining wire.

I curl the trimmed ends so there are now edges or ends sticking out to snag on clothing.

Finished! YAY!

I wrote this so that the folks who really need lots of pictures and explanation will have the help they need. This is not intended to teach this design. It was intended to teach the concept and help deal with problems that come up as we make things. I hope this will help many.

Cheers...

Wire weaving: "checkerboard" weave

2011-08-28T01:32:00.003-05:00

Checkerboard Weave! This is my favorite weave. It is a simple weave that helps build skill and control with the wire. It can be used may ways in design and handles curves well, since there are spaces between the wrapped sections.

* Step 1: Select wires of two different gauges. One heavier gauge wire, which will be for your two base wires, and a thinner gauge wire to do the weave with. Here, I have used 21 gauge square copper wire for the two base wires, and 24 gauge black enameled copper wire to weave with.

* Step 2: Begin by wrapping your the wire you are weaving with around the base wire four times. You will notice I started with the left base wire and wrapped the weave wire in a clockwise fashion. Sometimes it is easiest to set aside the second wire while you do this very first wrap. Then when your are ready to start the first wrap on the second wire, you can add that wire between your fingers. As I mentioned in the previous post, you may choose to hold the wires together with a little piece of painter's tape here at the beginning to stabilize the wires so they don't move around in your hand.

*Step 3: You are ready to add the second base wire. Run your weave wire through the middle, and the back around the outside.

* Step 4: Every fourth wrap will be like a figure 8 between the wires. You will do three complete wraps on each side, and on the fourth wrap, you will cross to the other side. As you are doing this, make sure each time you cross to the other wire, that the distance between the wires remains parallel. Sometimes it is necessary to run the unwoven portion of your base wires through a pair of soft jaw pliers to straighten them again. If your groupings if four don't seem quite even, gently squeeze them together using your half round pliers (or your fingernails, if you are lucky enough to have them).

*Step 5: Weave to your heart's content. There are many variations that can be done with this weave. Beads can be added in the open spaces as you go. Or, you may choose to do a different amount of wraps on each of the base wires. Just play and have fun!

If you have any questions about this weave, please feel free to ask. And let me know if I need to be more clear in my explanations. Thanks!

Wire weaving 101

2011-08-15T08:36:00.003-05:00

Because so many have asked.

*For your very first weaving, I suggest you use a very large gauge wire that will be stiff and easy to handle for your two base wires. Here I have used 10 gauge aluminum. I have chosen 24 gauge aqua color enamel coated copper wire so you can easily see the process.

* The direction of the wire when weaving on two wires will be, from the outside, over the top, through the middle, under the back, coming back to the outside, then around the outside and over the top, through the inside and ACROSS to the back of the 2nd wire, around the outside, over the top of wire 2, through the middle, around the outside of wire 2 again, through the middle and ACROSS the back of wire 1, and so on....

* You may want to use a piece of blue painters tape to hold the two main wires in place when you first start the weaving. I always do this if I am starting a piece of weaving where the wires aren't already attached to the piece I am working on. Once you get the weaving started, you can remove the tape.

* Starting the weaving near the ends of the wire gives you more control from the very beginning. Once you get going, you can gently pull each wire through to get the actual weaving positioned where you want it on the two main wires.

* To keep the weaving even and tidy, push each wrap down so that it is nested right next to the previous wrap. If a wrap looks kinked, crooked, or generally bad, unwrap it and straighten the wire to your best ability. Then wrap again, pushing the wire into place each time. Dealing with a mistake right when it happens is necessary, as it is nearly impossible to go back and fix it later without messing up the wires around it.

*Before I make each wrap, I pull the wire through my fingers to make a nice stiff, straight line before I cross to the other wire. This adds to the tidiness of the overall weave. If you are working in sterling. Try not to overdo it, sterling work hardens very quickly, and trying to weave with hard wire is difficult, to say the least.

* I do all my weaving exclusively with my fingers, not tools. Tools will leave marks, and marks are unattractive.

*When you go to do weaving in a piece of wire jewelry, a common combination is to use 20 gauge wire for your design, and 24 or 26 gauge wire for your binding and weaving. Or, if you are working on something fairly small, you might choose to work with 22 with 26 or 28 gauge, or 24 with 28 or 30 gauge. I would suggest using magnification for your eyes if you are working with 22 gauge or smaller for your main design wire. Particularly, if you are not using contrasting colors of wire.

***WIRE SOURCES
I buy most of my wire locally now. But, when she is out of what I need, I purchase most of my wire from Fusion Beads. I have tested many different companies wires, and I find that the quality of theirs is outstanding. Here's the link. http://www.fusionbeads.com/shop/category/23/Jewelry_Wire/
Rio Grande is another great source. And if you are interested in metals of special alloys, I suggest United Precious Metals.

*** If you have any questions at all about this basic weave, please feel free to email me at dblairster@gmail.com.
HAPPY WEAVING!!!

"I can't come up with a good design!" how to methodically come up with unique designs when you are stuck.

2011-07-25T22:05:00.000-05:00

How many times have you sat in your design space feeling like you just can't come up with anything good? You have all your materials in front of you, but the ideas just aren't coming. I am going to show you a way to come up with something great and original, completely without the aid of looking at other peoples designs. You will need a couple sheets of paper, a pen or pencil, scissors, and a book or magazine with pictures.

Step 1. Trace around your cab or focal bead onto a plain piece of paper. Step 2. cut out the shape from the inside of the shape leaving a hole in the paper the size and shape of the stone you intend to use. This will become your view-finder and help you find your inspiration.
3. find a book or magazine and open to a page with a picture on it. It really can be any random picture. 4. Move the viewfinder around the page until you see lines and shapes that inspire you. When you have decided on a spot you really like, use painter's tape to lightly hold the view-finder in place.
5. The next thing you want to do is sketch the design and plan it. Use your cab to trace the stone shape for you sketch. Use the lines in the view-finder to inform your sketch. plan how many wires you are going to use, where you are going to bind the wires, and how you are going to keep the stone in place from the back side as well. I chose to draw them in lightly. Write any notes that will be a helpful guide in your design process. This sketch is just that...a sketch. You can modify your plan in your final piece if you like. There are no rules. The point of going through this process was to come up with something original and get you out of the creative block you were in. I modified my design in that I didn't have a rectangle Czech glass bead, so I used a round metal one. I also decided that a woven bail would be too busy for this design, so I made a normal bail. Then I added my signature, the spirals. This is a no-fail process. I never would have made this piece if I hadn't intended to write this blog article. Now I have a new design that I can expand on in other pieces. You can do this too. I would encourage everyone to try it. Happy creating!

Pan Glue 101 (This falls under the category of "Eclectica")

2011-07-18T23:17:00.000-05:00

This all began as a discussion about making Christmas wreaths. I've been a floral designer for 21 years now and thought I'd give a little primer on this product, a staple to the floral industry, pan glue. This glue comes as dry chips, as seen here and is melted in a skillet for quick and easy use when designing with silk and dried product. What makes this so superior is its holding power. Many glues, including traditional hot glue (glue gun) will become brittle and pop off in changing weather. Pan glue (in particular this Oasis brand product) can withstand a torrential downpour, snow and ice, and extreme heat, making it perfect for wreaths and other outdoor floral decorations. Having the glue melted in a skillet makes for easy use as well. Pinecones can be dipped in the glue and shoved right into a wreath. It bonds in a couple seconds, no waiting for it to be safe to let go. Stems can be cut, dipped in the glue and inserted securely and easily into grapevine or into floral foam without worry. However, of a mistake is made, you have to think fast before it has permanently bonded.. It is also wonderful to be able to take a dowel or an old unused floral stem and use like a paint brush to paint glue on the back of small blossoms or pieces of ribbon to tuck into arrangements, wreaths and garlands. I cannot imagine designing anything silk or dried without the aid of this wonderful product.

So, here is my skillet of pan glue. I bought this skillet over 20 years ago at Goodwill and have used it exclusively for my pan glue the entire time. I have only scraped the hot glue out of the skillet one time. It was necessary because I had dropped a whole sheet of moss in the skillet and the dirt from the underside of the moss degraded the glue. I have about a third of the amount of glue in my skillet that I really should have. But, you'll get the gist of it. This is what the glue looks like in the skillet after it has been melted and solidified many times, or in my case, hundreds of times. It is an opaque golden color. The color of mine is a bit darker because it is really old and really full of pollutants.
Once the glue starts to melt, you can mix around the glue with a dowel rod or an old floral stem. Don't use a spoon or a knife. The metal will conduct the heat and you will burn the hell out of your hand when you try to pick it up and use it.. You can see here that the glue is melting, but not quite ready yet. The corners are still semi hard.
Another way to tell the glue isn't hot enough is that you will create lots of "strings" or "webs" with the glue between dipping the stem in the glue and inserting in your arrangement. The glue should be about the consistency of room temperature honey, and should be completely melted. If you start to see bubbles or the glue just runs right off your stem or stir stick, you have the heat turned up too high. Turn it down and wait until the glue is the right consistency to use it. This product isn't generally harmful, unless the skillet is boiling the glue and you hold your head over the glue steam and breath in...heehee..
NEVER leave the room with the glue pot turned on. If you have to leave the room, unplug it. It's not going to cool off that fast, so you can plug it back in when you return. Once you have established a consistency you like, leave the temperature dial there and just unplug it and plug it in every time to heat it up perfectly.
Once the glue is just right, you are ready to design. Dip the bottom of your floral foam right into the glue and insert into your container. I didn't actually glue my foam in, because I use this container for fresh flowers usually. Then cut your stems with very heavy duty pliers. The stronger and sharper the pliers, the better. Keep in mind that if you are cutting through a silk stem like the ones I am using in this example, you may be cutting through six to eight 24-16 gauge steel wires all at one time. It may look like one stem, because it has been wrapped with green floral tape, or is encased in plastic. But believe me some of these stems truly take brute strength to cut through. For this one I squeezed as hard as I could while leveraging the tool against my leg. The better the cutters, the more efficient and ergonomic the situation.
Next, dip the end of the stem in the glue and use the edge of pan to scrape off any excess if it gobs on.
Insert the stem about halfway down. If you force it all the way to the bottom, and there are many more stems going into the foam, creating a hole that deep will reduce the integrity of the foam, If very many of the stems will be large and heavy, using a thicker depth of foam and reinforcing it with a cage of chicken wire will provide better structural integrity to your arrangement. I used a healthy amount of glue on these stems because they are quite large and heavy. I also inserted them a little deeper knowing that the other stem insertions going into this arrangement will be small and few. In theory, this would have been turned into a contemporary plant garden. Hence, the parallel stems... But, since I only did this to demonstrate the glue. It really isn't going to be made into anything at the moment. Happy gluing everyone! P.S. this does not work for jewelry!

Wire work, a mixed bag

2011-07-16T00:29:00.005-05:00

I want to have a frank discussion about several aspects of a topic that have come up on at least three of the forums I participate in. As many of you know, I don't participate on sites or forums that are wire work specific. There are many reasons for that. Some of those reasons have to do with issues that I will discuss here. I am peppering this discussion with images, so you won't be bored...heehee.. Creativity... how creative are we being with the materials we work with? Okay.. we'll get back to that one.
Dino Bone, September 2010

On two of the forums I regularly frequent, a statement, or a belief if you will, has been said about folks who design in wire. I cringe, but I know it is true. Copying is rampant among wire workers. With so many tutorials being sold and bought, and people wanting to dabble in jewelry to make some extra cash, it seems to be more the rule than the exception that people recreate designs other designers have made. Often they think that because they used a different color of wire and a different stone, that it is now their own original design. As you can imagine, I find this appalling, and I am disgusted by it.
Ochoco Moss agate, June 2011 (above right)

(left) Joan of Arc, July 2008

( below right) Cross-Current, February 2010

But, I am friends with people who do this. I try to remind them that even though they paid for a tutorial, they still need to say who the designer is. For example, they could say something like, "I created this beautiful Lisa Barth design using a 20X36mm labradorite and oxidized sterling silver wire." Why is this a bad thing? If a person has permission to recreate designs they learned from a tutorial, why then is the designer not named? I would think it would be a plus to use a well known designer's name when talking about your piece, especially when you are still learning and trying (hopefully) to develop your own look. But really, it is unethical not to name the designer. Why do we not have a conscience about that? I am not sure.

I rarely see this go on among better metalsmiths, the folks who work in PMC, or polymer clay. I think the folks working in polymer clay are probably the best at pointing out where their designs came from. They are proud to have learned their techniques from Donna Kato or Seth Savarick, or whoever they learned from. Why are we not more cognizant of the the talent we have learned from our teachers? The reason I chose Lisa Barth to use as an example is that her designs are copied over and over, and most of the time, she is not being given credit.

(above left) Snowed In, January 2010

(below right) Apricot Supreme, April 2011

Okay, moving on to the next layer of this discussion. I have a bone to pick with the people who take a design that another person created, move a few wires around while keeping the same look and using the same techniques in pretty much the same way... These people often do not site where their design "ideas" are coming from, and become very defensive when you call them on the carpet for it. They often will not even admit that they have SEEN the work that so obviously "influenced" their design. A tell tale sign is when the persons work is mediocre or at best, undeveloped, and suddenly they start cranking out designs that are way more mature and developed, and are very similar to another person's original designs or design aesthetic. They think if they move this wire up a little, and use the bead technique with different beads, and use another color of metal for the weave, and place the spirals... you get the idea... The work is either identifiable as being someone elses, or looking a lot like someone elses, hence the copying of someone elses design aesthetic. This, I feel, is even worse than copying.

(below) Nautilus, September 2009

This has happened to me more than once, and in fact there is someone currently doing this very thing with my designs and design aesthetic. She doesn't know I know, and I'm not going to approach her. People know my work well enough to know if someone else is deriving their designs from mine. The thing is, it is much more just sad for the person who is doing this, because what it says the the rest of the world, and to their designing collegues, is that they are not confident enough in their own abilities to create their own work, they don't believe in their own artistic creativity, they are lazy, robbing this an that from other designers instead of trying to be original, and they are just plain not real designers or artists. I think it would be awful to have to project to the world that I am not genuine. And, quite frankly the people who do this, are not genuine. A rampant practice I see among people who do this, but who have half a conscience, will say "This design was inspired by ______". They never ask permission. They think that this is enough, that this clears them from the responsibility of asking permission. I think it is a terrible practice. I see buying goods from these people in the same way I see buying "fakes". Again, they are projecting that they are too insecure do design something on their own.

(right) Glimmer, May 2009
What I want to do is help people have the confidence to trust their own creativity. I want to show people all of the hundreds of ways to generate their own original ideas, and learn problem solving so they can create beautiful and truly original work. I wanted to have this discussion as a primer for all of the posts to come. I have been helping others approach design, craftsmanship, and creativity by showing them how to set aside pre-condtions, fear, anxiety, and outcome expectations, so that they can experience the true joy of making. In short, how to approach materials the way children approach them, with an attitude of play. I feel this is my greatest mission as an artist. To help people develop as artists doing original work and freely expressing their own creative vision. So with that, I leave you with positive thoughts and encouragement.

How to make a bead cluster pendant or earrings!

2011-07-11T21:49:00.001-05:00

STEP 1: Gather supplies! You will need a selection of beads in multiple sizes with one (optional) larger bead, two 6mm jump rings, head pins, and chain nose pliers. You will need French hooks if you are making earrings.
STEP 2: OPTIONAL. Choose a larger bead to be an anchor in your bead cluster.
STEP 3: Decide whether you'd like to do a wrapped loop at the top of each bead, or a simple closed loop. This is really your preference. However a wrapped loop will always be more secure.
STEP 4: Stack the individual beads on headpins that you'd like to use in your bead cluster, and finish each with a loop at the top. If you are making earrings, consider the weight of the beads you are using. In the case of the pendant I am making, I used some pearls and resin beads in with the glass to make it lighter weight.
STEP 5: Stack your wrapped beads on one of the jump rings. 5-7 beads will do. See that your anchor bead is in the middle. Sometimes it is helpful to lay your beads out, since you will be loading your jump ring from one side. I hold the jump ring with my pliers while I load. It is far easier than holding between my fingers.
OPTIONAL STEP: You may decide you'd like your cluster more free and elongated. If so, close your jump ring and add another jump ring to the main one. You will stack your remaining beads on this second jump ring, and then close.
STEP 6: If you have chosen to create a tight bead cluster, all of your beads will go on one jump ring. Keep adding beads until you can't add anymore. Be sure to add different beads next to each other adding the smallest beads last. You may want to lay out all of your beads before loading the jump ring, in order to assure that each side of the larger bead is balanced. Once you can add no more, close the jump ring.
STEP 7: While you still have your jump ring full of bead in your pliers, add a second jump ring at the top, which will serve as a bail. If you are making earrings, you do not have to add an extra jump ring before adding your French hook. The choice is yours.
STEP 8: Thread chain or a cord through your jump ring bail, and finish with a clasp!

It's been 8 months...

2011-05-20T21:48:00.002-05:00

I know... I have been away for a long time. But now I am back! So, I thought it would be fun to do a quick recap of the last eight months so that I can feel sorta caught up! In October I made my first multi-stone piece. I also joined the local Gem and Mineral Society. In November I started learning how to cut cabochons.
And, I went on my first fossil dig.
In December, I worked feverishly to get all the custom orders done, including this giant prong-set yellow CZ. In January, I joined and Flicker group called "Ring A Week", or RAW. I figured I would force myself to learn how to make rings once a week for 52 weeks.
Throughout the winter I worked on many commissions, one of which was a group of pieces done in druzy.
I made my second multi-stone piece in February.
And also made a bunch of button necklaces with Great Grandma's old buttons. Also in February, I renovated my studio, and began making plans for a separate metals studio in my basement. In March, I acquired two jewelers benches, which are still parked in my kitchen (way too heavy! ). In late March, I was invited to join Color Combo Challenge on Facebook, and I am having a wonderful time with the ladies in that group.
In April, I began planning which weaves I would teach at a workshop in LasVegas in June. Throughout April, I experimented with square wire which I had purchased with rings in mind, but used for pendants because I ran out of round. So hear we are in May. My fellow jewelry artists have been gently urging me to post more earrings, so here's a pair of earrings!

Victoria Stone

2010-09-15T11:37:00.000-05:00

I recently had the pleasure of designing these two pendants for Mary Ann and Ralph of Stones That Rock. It is absolutely mesmerizing to look at, and by far the most chatoyant stone I have ever seen in person. They cut these stones and have them in their private collection. Designing with these stones was a wonderful experience.Until I saw the stones on their website, I had never encountered this stone before.
cabochon by Stones That Rock
Naturally, I wanted to know more about the stone so I researched it. The most comprehensive information I found on the stone was provided on Daniel Lopaki's website in an article for ROCKCOLLECTOR, the newsletter for the Rochester Lapidary Society, written by Greg Weisbrod, September, 2005.

cabochon by Danial Lopacki Co.

Late in the 60's Iimori Laboratory Ltd. of Tokyo Japan began to market a variety of imitation gem materials. Dr. S. Iimori produced some paste (lead glass) in different colors for faceting, also a cat's eye, "jade," and finally his masterpiece:

The chatoyant Victoria stone in 16 different colors.

cabochon by Danial Lopacki Co.

This material was advertised to be a melt of various natural minerals that had reconstructed into a new mineral and cooled for months under 2000 pounds pressure. The melt mass then partially devitrified forming chatoyant fan-like sprays of crystal fibers.
cabochon by Danial Lopacki Co.

Ideally the fibers would interlock, similar to those that give nephrite jade its toughness. Unfortunately, this did not occur. The glass matrix of the "boules" developed severe internal strains much similar to unannealed glass.

The mass looked like a fat carrot, weighed about five pounds and sold for $20.00/lb. Instructions cautioned you to carefully grind the white rind from the "boule" so as to relieve the strain. You must also take extreme care not to overheat the material in cutting, doping, or polishing. You could also purchase a ready-made cabochon from the company.

cabochon by Danial Lopacki Co.

To protect his market, the 84-year-old Dr. Iimori did not patent his process, instead preferring to keep it a secret even from his family. When he passed away they did not continue the operation and the company went bankrupt in 1985.

Stones That Rock!

2010-09-08T12:35:00.001-05:00

Ralph and Mary Ann Sieler are the heart and soul of Stones That Rock. They started their business just a couple years ago, and do beautiful lapidary work. I met them on Flickr, and they have been so wonderful in helping educate me about gemstones I am not familiar with. Most recently, I made this pendant with a lovely Deschutes Jasper cab they cut. Ralph and Mary Ann live in Arizona and specialize in stones found in the west, such as turquoise and variscite. However, they also work with many types of jasper and agate, lapis, dino bone, and exotics such as mtorolite (chrome chalcedony) and Victoria Stone. Their work is outstanding and their prices are reasonable. I have many cabochons of theirs waiting to be made into beautiful jewelry. All of the cabochons in the previous two posts are from their collection, and I now own. Above and beyond their talents, Ralph and Mary Ann are just lovely folks... two of the nicest people I have met online.
If you are interested in purchasing some cabochons, slabs, or rough from them, visit Stones That Rock.

Even more beautiful cabochons

2010-07-25T00:01:00.004-05:00

Beautiful, beautiful cabochons

2010-07-24T02:41:00.003-05:00

Creating with a handicap...

2010-04-19T13:32:00.000-05:00

I am not talking about being permanently handicapped amd being creative. I am talking about when something changes either with your body, or your environment that makes it impossible to do the creative work you normally love to do.

I have spent the better part of a week feeling sorry for myself because I can't make jewelry or practice cello (or swim, or do many other things I like to do). I am an artist and a maker. I have to always be making something. I can't just sit around and wait.

My left arm is in a cast because of massive over-strain with tendinitis. My doctor said absolutely NO to any of the creative things I normally do and to try to minimize how I use my left hand and arm while at work. I could hardly stand it. I am thinking to myself, "I can't draw....at all. I don't plan my designs, so there would be no point in forcing myself to do that." It seemed like I had no options.

Then, I thought, photography! Yes! I'll take pictures. I know very little about photography, but manage to do a decent job taking pictures of my jewelry. So, for now and the forseeable future, taking pictures is how I am going to express myself.

And if anyone has any ideas of artistic things I can do mostly one handed, please let me know. It is looking like I may be wearing this cast much longer than the two weeks the doctor first recommended. Also, I am using PhotoFiltre to edit my photos. If there are any online tools that are free to use, that you think would be fun for me to try, please send me the links!

And a word to anyone else going through something like this. There are always going to be ways to create. You just have to find them.

Artist thoughts....

2010-04-13T12:52:00.001-05:00

More random ramblings to provoke thought and insight about your creative endeavors....

Invest yourself in the process, not the outcome. Why do I say this? It is the process where all of the learning happens. Know the process intimately. Be observant. Be mindful of how mistakes or accidents occur in your work, and make a deliberate attempt to approach that task differently. Love the materials you are working with and explore all their properties. All of these things will improve the outcome, and the journey will be much more meaningful.

Is it remarkable? Is what you are making worthy of a remark? How is what you are creating going to stand out from the crowd? What are you doing that others aren't doing? What is the outstanding quality of your work? If there is no outstanding quality, ask yourself why? Are you afraid to step out and walk through uncharted territory? Do you feel you don't have the skill (yet)? Do you say, "I can't come up with anything?"
I say, yes you can. If you truly enjoy what you are doing, why would you carry around "I can't" statements, placing your own limits on your creativity?

Whimsy matters. Why? Because I said so... Which aspects of your own work matter the most to you? What creative part, if taken away from your work, would take away your look or your vision? Have you spent time thinking about how that aspect could be drawn out and further explored in your work? Is this the defining aspect that would make your work "remarkable"?

The only way to do great work is to do what you love. Do you love what you are doing? Life is short. Are you wasting time doing things that you don't care about? What really matters? What journey are you on? Ask yourself, "Is this a/the journey I want to take? Realize that your actions are always a choice. Is your life better for the actions you take? Or are you on a journey that is destructive to yourself and others? Have you decided to savor life and appreciate what you have? Or are your decisions motivated by fear and anxiety? If your fears are valid and justified, is living in constant worry, stress, and panic helping the situation? Remember, we choose to worry and stress out. If you feel that is the only path to doing what you love, is it worth it? Are you content? Have you involved yourself with people or projects that are going to drag you down? Are you seeking out work that you are excited to do? Are you taking the time to fill your creative tank? Getting enough rest? How are you spending your time? Are you working toward anything at all, or are you in a holding pattern. Consider these things and ask yourself if you need to adjust your thinking or your actions. These things have everything to do with how and what we create.

Cherry Creek Jasper

2010-03-08T23:23:00.007-06:00

My newest love in gemstones....Cherry Creek Jasper. It's colors and patterns are almost endless. Every piece is unique, inspiring all kinds of design possibilities...

Cherry Creek jasper is metamorphic limestone, Metamorphosis is one of the three ways stones are formed (the other kinds of stones are igneous and sedimentary).

Geologically, a metamorphic stone forms deep in the earth, its essential nature altered by heat and pressure. It may go through metamorphosis more than once, and each time new elements are added to its composition. Only those aspects of the stone which are impermeable to pressure and heat are preserved.

Cherry Creek jasper is 6.0- 7.0 on the Moh's Hardness Scale, and predominantly mined in Utah.

Of the metamorphic stones, the patterns of Cherry Creek jasper are particularly striking, and one may see them as maps (in whatever natural or polished shape it occurs) of the crystal's transformational path.

Yep...it's still winter!

2010-01-17T20:56:00.006-06:00

Snowed In... It has been snowing and frigid, and snowing and blowing, and snowing and fogging, and snowing and icing for better than three weeks now. I think I speak for most folks in the Midwest when I say that most of us feel like we have been snowed in. I have a large picture window in my living room, and mocha brown walls. I look out that window and all I see is ice and snow. This piece was inspired by that now, overly familiar view from my sofa. Snow and trees looking north from my front yard. Nothing but white, articulated by naked trees. Slow Thaw... This past week we finally had high temperatures above 32 degrees. And slowly, the streets and sidewalks are beginning to show their wet surfaces as the snow thins out on well traveled roadways and paths. The snow is still everywhere, but we are full of cheer as we see just a little of what is hiding under the snow. Yes, it's mud puddles and dead grass... but it is much more tolerable. Today, I even saw sunshine! Dried out ornamental grass in my parents' front yard. The pot it's in is completely covered by a foot of snow.

Even though it is snowing in Kansas....

2010-01-03T22:44:00.006-06:00

I am inspired by ocean life. I am dreaming of beaches and warm weather... fishes and coral... sand between my toes, and NO snow shoveling! I have always been inspired by the beauty that the ocean holds, so it isn't surprising that I am continuing to produce work that reflects my love and interest in it. Image above, taken by Flickr member Stephane Bailliez, all rights reserved. This piece is titled "Manta", it's shape inspired by the Manta Ray. These next two are custom pieces which I have not titled yet, but are equally influenced my ocean life. Both are made of fossilized coral. Image above, taken by Flickr member SymbioticService San Diego, all rights reserved.Image above, taken by Flickr member Erwin Poliakoff, all rights reserved.For now, this is what it looks like in Kansas... On these cold, cold days, I am dreaming of California....

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T17:11:00.005-06:00

I have so much to be thankful for this year. I have a wonderful family and friends who truly love me. I have found my health and get stronger every day, thanks to my CPAP. And I have finally found love... rather love found me. I am so grateful and blessed... I am thankful for the person I am... the many facets that make up my uniqueness... the good and the bad. So today, I hope to inspire you to appreciate and be thankful, for not only what you have, but who you are.... My new love, Scott, shared this thought with us a few months ago on Flickr, along with this picture of some of the stained glass in his home.

"What do we absorb?
What do we transmit?
Where are we bright?
And where are we dark?
And does it all not make us who we are?"-Scott Schreiber

The Bizarre Bazaar! This Saturday, November 28th

2009-11-23T11:21:00.007-06:00

That's right! It the annual Bizarre Bazaar this Saturday, November 28th, from 9:00am tho 5:00pm at the Lawrence Arts Center in downtown Lawrence, KS. Every kind of art and craft you can imagine! Really cool stuff! Along with an eclectic mix of vendors, artists like Kathie of Paper Treasures, Rachael Sudlow, and Angelia Perkins, as well as myself, will be showing our best wares. Come out and get some Christmas shopping done, and enjoy the bake sale while you take it all in!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/aperkins Angelia Perkins, Funky jewelry from fishing lures. http://www.rachaelsudlow.com/index.htm Rachael Sudlow, metalsmith and organic jewelry Kathie of Paper Treasures

Finding your voice...artistically

2009-10-22T14:36:00.011-05:00

Regality by Dawn Blair (me)

I think a lot about this topic, because so many people talk about how my work has a certain identifiable look that is mine. I often hear things like, "I wish I had my own style", or "How do I develop my own look". People want to know what my secret is. Well, here it is. There is no secret.This is how my look happened for me, and I believe can happen for anyone. I spend a lot of time looking at what others are making. But not wire workers necessarily. I find it very important to feed my mind with the richness of nature, and with art forms of all kinds. Inspiration 1- Vifilfell Errupting by Orvaratli on Flickr

I don't seek to make this particular thing or that. When I sit down to work, it is always my goal to explore my medium more than I did on the last piece I made. I believe my look has developed out of proficiency with the materials and tools I work with. I don't look at a piece someone else has made and say, "Gee, I wish I could make that". It is more of a question of wanting to know what skill made it possible for that artist to create it. I think it is important to develop a "vocabulary" of skills within your medium before you can express what you want to say in your designs.Inspiration 2- PixilexiP by Xose Zalgado on Flickr

Developing your own artistic voice requires time and commitment to learning processes and learning the limitations of your working materials. It requires practice, so that the "look" that becomes your look isn't the result of not being able to do this or that. Your look should result from wanting to keep doing those processes that you enjoy the most, and the prep work necessary to support what you really love doing the most. It is when we are mindful to pay attention while we are working, creating each piece, that we can observe our skills and seek to improve them, or realize that this part or that really isn't something that will bring personal joy in the process. If there are too many parts to the process that you don't enjoy, then maybe exploration in other mediums is needed. Ask yourself, "Why did I start working in wire to begin with", "What was the initial draw?", "Why have I stuck with it?", "Do I truly love working with wire?" Answer these questions in whatever medium you are working, and answer them honestly. This will be very enlightening. Maybe this will confirm that you just need to get focused, or maybe you will realize you need to try other mediums.It takes time to develop your own artistic voice. It is about practice, practice, practice..... and adding to those skills a little something here or a little something there. Making small changes as you get better and better at your art form. Never a giant leap. With me, it is developing a new weave, using the weave in a different place in my design, adding beads in a different way or a different place, using less or omitting materials for effect, using different colors or gauges of wires. It is usually only ONE of these various things I choose to focus on per piece. This keeps my look very consistent. I use the skills I have the way my own eye finds pleasing, then add a new element to that. It is not about how many skills you have, but rather what you do with the skills you have. The beauty of making changes gradually is that you can look back and see exactly where you used this or that technique for the first time. I helps to be able to see a clear chronology in the development of your skills, and often makes it more clear the direction that might be best as a "next step". Inspiration 3- Eastern Tailed Blue Butterfly by Sienna62 on Flickr

I hope this has given everyone some food for thought. It is not difficult to find your own artistic voice, but it does require mindfulness and focus....and most of all a commitment to spending the time exploring the properties and limits of the materials and tools with which you are working. I created the above piece for my grandmother using a technique I had never used before to make the bezel. It was tedious for me because I had to count how many times I wrapped the wire around for every little section. I may not do this again so soon, but I took the time to try it and now have the skill to create another bezel using the technique. It is all about trying. I started the bezel three times before I came up with a pattern I liked enough to spend six hours on. It was worth it, as you can see...

39, my NEW best year!

2009-10-07T10:50:00.003-05:00

That's right! You heard it here first.....my 39th year will be the best year of my life. I am confident of this being fact. I have wonderful friends. I have my health, thanks to the acquisition of my new CPAP machine. And I have love. Love for those dear to me, love for life, love for music, love for God. I am confident that this year will bring twists and turns, and unexpected adventure. I believe fully in making my own adventure, one day at a time. So for this, my birthday post, I will share with you pictures from "Huff N Puff". Hot air balloon launch that took place at Lake Shawnee a few weeks ago. So here's to life, and living it to the fullest. Cheers!

Your work, your "self"

2009-09-29T12:26:00.009-05:00

Today I have been listening to a podcast with Alison Lee interviewing Michael DeMeng, mixed media artist. In the interview there are many topics brought up that I think are worthy of thinking about. What is your relationship to your work of art/design, while you are working on it? What does it depend on? Does it depend on whether or not it is "going well"? Does it depend on how well planned out the piece is beforehand? Does it depend on your love or dislike of the materials you are using? Do you make the piece and then form your feelings toward it later, after having spent time with the finished piece? Or, do you just make beautiful things, without much or any mental involvement at all?

I believe these are things we need to think about and be aware of, just as we need to be aware of what our "creative habit" or studio process is. I think knowing these things, or at least taking time to observe them makes a difference in both what we make, and how we feel about what we make. Ultimately, it is the connection, or the "story" behind a piece that will capture the heart of our customers and ultimately cause them to buy. I really do believe this connection can be as simple as, "I love forming the metal by flame. There is something about the physical action of working the metal with a hammer that really draws me to create this way." Being aware of things on even this very basic level enhances the experience of creating for you. And the joy of creating will always translate into the pieces you make.Skipping Stones, posted June 17, 2009 to Flickr.

Even when I struggle with wire that is really stiff, or struggle to make a workable design with the materials I selected, I understand that it is the process of working the wire that I truly enjoy. Often the pieces I really struggle with are the ones I end up valuing the most. I believe it is because I learn things through the struggle. When I am able to solve issues in my designs to satisfy my own eye, the end product is always so much more exciting. Often titling those pieces becomes much more special as well. Then when someone purchases the piece, and they understand and see what I saw in the finished piece, it gives me unimaginable joy.Golden Rain, posted June 16, 2009 to Flickr

I don't think it is important to say, "This is my personality, and this exact thing represents that". I think it is more about standing back and observing our own ways, habits, processes, and tendencies. I think being aware, and in the moment during the creation of pieces that can make them more rich with creativity. These are just things to think about today as you spend time in your studios making what you are to make. I would love to hear what you all have to say about your creative process and relationship to your pieces. Leave a comment, or email me at cellocarrots@gmail.com.Toucan, posted July 29, 2008 to Flickr.

All of the above images are of pieces which I struggled with in one way or another, but which became some of my most treasured designs. I persevered and trusted my process. I believe that the lessons I learned through the struggles are what continues to draw me to these pieces. I learned that there was more in me than I had thought before the process was begun.

Getting back to my "roots"!

2009-09-28T13:32:00.009-05:00

Title: Rooted, Brazilian stripes agate, 20 gauge non-tarnish copper wire, 24 gauge gunmetal "Artistic" wire

Recently, I had the displeasure of dealing with a shameless copier. The "shameless" part is that it was a person I considered to be a close friend. I freely taught her things, and never imagined that I would be taken advantage of this way. But, these things happen. We learn and move on... am I right?

So in cutting the fat from my life, I have decided to explore the "roots" of my jewelry design, using concepts that I began using very early in my jewelry designs. I am spending some time further investigating "nesting". By that, I mean nesting two or more wires together and designing with them as one unit. In this first piece, entitled "Rooted", I am laying down new roots by exploring old ones. I am excited about the wave of creativity I feel bursting from me. More one of a kind, original art jewelry soon to emerge! AND... altogether NEW experiments in jewelry creation.

Happy creating everybody! Don't be afraid to step out an make something no one has ever made before. If nothing else, it might make you laugh!

New jazz-world-blues CD!

2009-09-14T13:53:00.020-05:00

The whole group (minus Michael Kora, drums) Left to right: Ted, me, Steve, Jack, Christian, Milledge

About the CD, Sometimes Things Work Out, Steve Pinkston and Friends

Back in 2006, I began searching for my birth parents, seeking medical information to explain why at 34 years old I was having so many issues with my health. Very early in the search, however, it became much more than that. My birth mother was very difficult to locate, even after I had been able to unseal my adoptive records and receive the name from my real birth certificate. Eventually, I found her picture in a Manhattan High School year book, and then, finally her current address and phone number in another state. I had never expected to be making contact, but it was necessary. I fully expected that she would not want contact with me, since it had been a closed adoption. In fact, the first time I made the call, she denied that she had given birth to me. I certainly understood. After I provided proof of who I was, and the adoption record etc., she changed her mind and we were able to talk for a little bit.

Christian Botto, guitars

Right away, she expressed that she was grateful I had contacted her and that she was relieved I was okay. She had wondered and worried about me all these years, and even tried to find me once. I never could have imagined it that way. She had never had any other children, because she didn’t want children. In fact, I am the same way. I have never wanted children either. She was apologetic and ashamed. But I emphatically told her that she had absolutely made the right decision in giving me up and that I have had a wonderful life with great parents. They were high school students, both planning to go to college in the fall to study music. I was born their first fall semester at college.

Early in that first conversation, my birth mother gave me my birth father’s name. Steve Pinkston.

Steve Pinkston, bass and composer *** Steve's Blog, The Fretful Bassist

Dawn Blair (me!), cello

Right away, after getting off the phone with her, I did a Google search on the internet and found him. I look just like him, and over the past few years have discovered I am just like him in most ways, although I do share my mother’s genetics in the humor category. They were both musicians, she a violinist and he a bass player. Both were very talented classical musicians. In fact Steve had been a cellist, just like myself, through his high school years, and then switched to string bass as soon as one became available. He played jazz on electric bass and began writing his own music. Eventually Steve left Kansas and moved to Hollywood where he played jazz and rock through the 70’s and produced three albums. Steve is a brilliant musician as well as composer. When we first met, in Portland, he brought his records and hours and hours worth of recordings of music he had written. CD’s of music he had recorded with his music partner, pianist Paul Bass, who unfortunately died of cancer ten or so years ago.

Milledge Bennett, percussion

Jack McCreary, flute and alto sax

Steve had wanted to make a CD of some of his favorite compositions, but hadn’t really done much with it up to the point when we met. After I had played cello for him over the phone one night, he decided he should do the CD and include me on it, with his other wonderfully talented musician friends. In August of 2007, we began recording. That visit to Portland was the very first time Steve and I had gotten to play together. It was an emotional, life changing moment for both of us. All my life, I had known they were musicians, and as a young girl and teenager, I used to fantasize that someday I would be somewhere playing and they would be too, and that we would figure it out, and somehow know…

Ted Clifford, keyboards

A good portion of us in the recording session.

We finished my part of the recording in Kansas City in July of 2008, and Steve got to meet my parents for the first time. It was amazing how much he and my dad had in common, swapping stories of playing at Ft. Riley and all over Manhattan and Kansas City. Steve had the chance to express to both my parents his appreciation of the sacrifices they made raising me, and I think that provided some closure for both Steve and my parents. The CD went into production this winter and now is finally published. This is a fantastic, quality CD featuring jazz, blues, and world music, and is the most meaningful project I have ever had the pleasure of being a part of.

On the cover: This is a photograph of Steve’s bass and the card I made to give to him when we first met in person. Notice the puzzle piece in the center. My feelings about finding my birth parents, my birth father in particular were that of having found the missing piece of the puzzle. There had always been a part that was missing in my life. I was never truly sure of who I was or where I was heading in life, because I never knew where or who I came from. You must know where your journey started, I feel, in order to know where you are on the path of life, or where you might stop and rest, or aspire to go to. When I met each of them, a part of my life was solved. The mystery of why I am so different from my parents and family. Although my dad is a trumpet player and also a brilliant jazz musician himself, and my mother crafty and artistic like I am, our personalities and ways are so vastly different. We don’t understand each other or why I am like this and they are like that. Knowing why, and that it is largely genetic, was the missing puzzle piece. Now I am not grabbing at straws trying to figure it out, because I know now.

Dawn Blair (me!) outside recording studio dock

When we met in that hotel in Portland to meet, Steve played the song, the title track of this CD for me. One of the lines in the song is, “.and it’s like a puzzle, when you put the last piece in.” We both wept meaningful tears as I listened to that song. It was a true reunion. Something that we had both longed for over thirty years, he had realized and I had not until that moment. The pain and wonder, questions and doubts, and for Steve, the worry, all melted away in that moment. The burden of not knowing was lifted from our shoulders and a new life of completeness was begun. We are both on a surefooted path and we communicate through the internet nearly every day now. ******************************************************************************************* To find out much more about the CD and where to purchase it, visit Steve's website Fin de Mundo Music ********************************************************************************************

New Jewelry!

2009-08-14T09:26:00.004-05:00

You're all probably wondering where the "jewelry" part of the blog has gone. We,ll I get so excited about other people's work and goings on that I forget to post my own work.

Making history through art

2009-07-31T09:54:00.002-05:00

What I want to share with you today is the gorgeous basketry of local artist Teresa Johnston. I first met Teresa at a gallery opening featuring her mothers work, and then again at the bead shop. I have been so fortunate to get to know her. She is a kind spirit and generous with her knowledge and creativity. Her artistic sensibilities are similar to mine and I feel very connected with her work. Teresa's baskets were recently featured in an exhibit at our library, The Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library. Up on white pedestals, each basket was its own complete natural sculpture. And, it was a pleasure to visit them every morning on my way in to work. Here are some photos of her work and her bio, that she graciously gave me permission to publish here.Prairie Basketry by Teresa Johnston Teresa Johnston started making baskets in the autumn of 1984 by chance. Prior to 1984, having done many different things; nothing would spark her imagination like the art of basketry. Teresa is continually inspired by the history of our country and its many basket-makers.Most recently, a shard of pottery was found and sparked her imagination as if she was making her first basket. Each basket made can tell a different story and it is her hopes that her baskets will tell you another story. When Teresa finishes a basket, she is still amazed. It is amazing because it is truly a one of a kind creation.Many of Teresa’s baskets have gone into private collections across the US. Her basketry has been placed as far away as Ireland, Russia, and Honduras. Teresa continues to be involved with her community by giving various baskets to nonprofit organizations to benefit them through auction.Teresa feels the hardest part of basketry is placing a value on making history through basketry. Teresa’s basketry should be viewed as a multicultural art. Born in Salina Kansas; Teresa feels she truly has made a personal connection to these Great Plains through the art of basketry. Member-Lawrence Art GuildMember-Artist Associate of Topeka Teresa’s basketry can be found at the following locations- In Sedan Kansas at the Art of the Prairie Gallery www.theredbuffalo.com/artgallery.html In Kansas City, Kansas at Buttonwood Art Space www.buttonwoodartspace.com In Topeka, Kansas at the Phoenix Gallery of Topeka www.phnxgallery.com/page/page/2004565.htm

The Mr. and Mrs.

2009-07-12T20:31:00.003-05:00

THEY DID IT! Congratulations to Evan and Kandi. I give you all of my love and best wishes for a beautiful life together. Love, Dawn

Bridal Beauty

2009-07-09T15:38:00.004-05:00

In honor of the beautiful bride to be, and her true love....Kandace and Evan, who will be joined in marriage this Sunday. Kandace is my best friend. We met in college 20 years ago, and have virtually nothing in common except our Christian faith. Kandace always makes me laugh, and has been there time and time again through many a tearful event. She is marrying a wonderful man and I could not be more happy for them both. So today I bring you bridal jewelry that I have made and a beautiful bouquet (photo by Jessica Hill Photography).

On being single, and eating out

2009-07-05T20:40:00.005-05:00

This morning, I woke up. It was a beautiful day, and I decided to go get breakfast at a locally owned greasy spoon that serves up a fantastic breakfast with great coffee. Now to tell the story, I need to give some background.

I am a confident single/divorced woman of 38, and because of the fact that most of my friends live in other cities, states, and countries, I dine mostly by myself. I feel perfectly comfortable doing that. I know many other single folks would feel uncomfortable dining alone, and many more say they would never do it because they would feel like they were being stared at or talked about. This is why I felt it was important to bring you this story today. Back to the story. I cheerfully arrived at my favorite dive this morning, ready for some good coffee and a big breakfast. This is a seat yourself type place, so I sat down in the two-person booth where I always sit, by the window where I can watch the other locals roll in. Normally, I am greeted and have a coffee on my table within the first minute I opened the door. It is a small place. Everyone can see everyone else, including the folks in the kitchen cooking up our favorite home-style breakfasts. I have always loved going there because I am always treated with the same amount of care as every other customer there. I never have a complaint and I always tip well. I like to know I am helping the local non-chain businesses and their employees survive and keep going.

The past few times I have been there, the waitress who normally waits on me hasn't been there. I have noticed that I am having to wait longer and longer for my coffee, coffee refills, and to just have my order taken. Because to the fact I can see all of the customers and waitresses, I can see that the couples and groups of people are getting the same outstanding service I have been used to and I am being forgotten. This morning was the deal breaker. It took me over five minutes just to be acknowledged, and given a water and a "I'll be back in a few minutes". No coffee, no menu, and all the while the four people sitting three feet from me were waited on multiple times, coffee refills, and "Can I get you anything else?", "Still doing alright?" for a good ten more minutes. The people next to me I think were uncomfortable because they knew I was being blown off. There were only three other tables with people there, and three waitresses. Finally, I was so angry I just decided to leave......

Ten minutes later, I arrived at IHOP. They were totally swamped. So, I put myself on the list and had a seat in a single chair by the the hostess station. There were so many people waiting that there were people outside. Well, I waited about five minutes, was seated at a table for four, and they took my order right away. I had my coffee quickly, and also my food. As I ate, I watched all the waiters and waitresses hustle to take care of everyone, including myself. I wasn't forgotten, even though there was a party of nine right behind me. My waitress was Alisha, and she couldn't have been nicer. I thanked her and told her I would be blogging about my good experience today.

So my question is why does the single person get blown off and marginalized in restaurants? I don't understand this. If I get the same service as everyone else, and I am happy with that service, I always tip over 20%. I have no problem, as I said, dining alone. But an experience like the one I had at the first restaurant would have probably made a shy person so uncomfortable that they would probably never try eating out alone again. Please, waiters and waitresses of the world, recognize that we are people too, and stop blowing us off.

Annie's famous apple pie

I have to take this opportunity to recommend another Topeka restaurant for their outstanding food and service. Annie's Place. They are awesome and they take care of me. It doesn't matter who is waiting on me. They are wonderful.

The very worst I have experienced, and this is even when I am with friends, is New City Cafe (located directly across from Annie's Place in Gage Center). All of their food is made before the lunch time starts, and it is beautifully displayed in their front glass case. All they have to do is scoop the salad onto a plate and bring it to your table. There can be two people in the restaurant and four staff members, and I will wait and wait, and wait until finally getting up and asking if they remember that we gave them our order. The food is very good. Although, if you order the seafood salad, you can expect to have one or two scallops, maybe a pea sized shrimp, and the shredded tuna-ish and mayonaise cream mixture that binds it together. This last visit, I decided I am never going back. The service is always bad. I gave them four years to change, since I like the food. But now that they are getting stingier with their ingredients, I am done.

So thank you, on behalf of myself and other single folks of the world, if you are one of these restaurants who blows off single people....SHAME ON YOU!

Thank you Alisha at IHOP, for treating me so well that I was promped to write this post. (If I have misspelled your name, please email me and I will change it)

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-04T20:38:00.002-05:00

Happy 4th of July everyone. I am home updating my blog instead of enjoying my friends and fireworks at the lake because I am not feeling well. But this morning I enjoyed the Collins Park Parade, which I took video of. When I figure out how to edit the video, I'll upload it to this post. This is my 4th of July necklace, made nautical so I can wear it all summer. Made with handmade beads by an artist right here in Topeka. I purchased the beads at The Jewelry Box and Gift store, located at 29th and Oakley.

Buttonwood Art Space 1st Friday

2009-07-03T11:32:00.012-05:00

Tonight is the 1st Friday art walk here in Topeka, and also in Kansas City. I am privileged to have been included with the artists at the Buttonwood Art Space in Kansas City. The current show is Drawing the Line, artwork created in pen and ink, charcoal, and other media as drawn works. This is a diverse show featuring comic painting, abstract, nature, nudes, etc. Very interesting and all works are for sale.

Buttonwood Art Space 3013 Main St. Kansas City MO 64108 816-285-9040 / Info@ButtonwoodArtSpace.co Tonight 5:00 PM- 8:30 PM

Rutilated Quartz

2009-06-17T01:15:00.006-05:00

Chemistry: TiO2 & SiO2 Titanium Oxide & Silicon dioxide Notable Occurrences include Minas Gerias, Brazil, Swiss Alps, Arkansas, and some African localities. Rutilated Quartz is quartz terminated by rutile, which is a needle like crystal with a wide color range, commonly yellow, gold, copper and sometimes silver. It is likened to the appearance of wheat straw and Angel Hair. The Rutile is said intensify the power of the Quartz. Repels negativity. Stabilizes relationships, marriages, mental processes and emotional & physical imbalances. Eases one who is in transition. Brings forth calm, reason, & order. Astrological signs of Gemini & Taurus
I have wanted a rutilated quartz for a long, long time. I finally found a stone in a beautiful shape with those shimmering rutile needles and broke down and bought it. After making this piece, I selected seven more stones, two of which are shown above. This stone is so much more beautiful in person that I even imagined. Light flashes through the stone onto the needles and it looks like shooting stars. It is just magical. I made this pendant for myself, but I will be making a few to sell once I receive my new stones. The above information about Rutilated Quartz was provided by Aura Shop. Visit them to find more information about gemstone properties.

The artist returns!

2009-06-16T06:44:00.003-05:00

I realize I have been absent from posting for nearly a month. I have just rebounded from a spell of illness, migraines, and intestinal virus. I am so happy to be on the mend. I am back in the swing of making jewelry and playing cello. Thanks for having faith that I would return.

Appreciate the little things

2009-05-20T13:46:00.002-05:00

After having debilitating migraines for three days and all of the stomach side-effects from taking medicines to try to rid myself of the pain, today I finally have some relief. I walked outside to come home for lunch and the weather is just beautiful.....perfect, in my opinion. I came home and just sat on my patio and took it all in. 80 degrees, a light breeze, low humidity, and just a few light wispy clouds to make it complete. What could possibly be better that? Hmmm.... maybe the fact that I can't hang out on the patio all day. But I am happy for the lunch hour therapy. Fellow Topekans, if you are listening. Take ten minutes right now, and go outside. Spend a few minutes appreciating this moment of God's perfection. I am happy to be enjoying this, and so far, a pain free Wednesday. Cheers to all!

Inspiration under pressure

2009-05-14T21:47:00.008-05:00

Did you ever have a time when you were asked to make designs that fit a certain criteria. Well recently, I have been making pendant/earring sets that, for this boutique, must stay at or below a certain price point. Typically, the designs I make fall in a higher price point, because to accomplish the design the way it is meant to be, takes longer and requires more materials.I always say, if you are a true artist, the parameters shouldn't make any difference. One should be able to create in all circumstances. Well, I am finding out that I can design at a lower price point and make pretty things......but I don't want to.That is a selfish notion, I know. But my designs come to life when they can run free. No fences, no stop signs. The truth is, to be a successful artist, one must be willing to work in non-ideal circumstances. Once I get used to the boundaries of size and price, I am sure there will be lots of room for creativity. But right now, I am fighting the battle of...I want to make what I want to make.So while I work on these mid price range sets, I am allowing myself to indulge on some of them. I am letting the designs go fully to the place they are heading. Those designs can be sold at a gallery or show. I am finding by allowing myself this freedom, when I know a piece isn't "finished", is actually helping me to have fresher ideas for the other work. It is all about respecting my process, and being able to meld that with a setof requirements. The two pieces here are pendants I allowed to go to their full potential. These will likely go to a gallery.

Screen Sculptor, Vicki Vespestad

2009-05-05T19:44:00.004-05:00

I met Vicki a couple years ago when we were both vendors at the Bizarre Bazaar. I was immediately taken by the beauty of these screen botanicals. They are created with industrial window screen and formed by folds and pleats, containing the most natural curves and nuances. They have a skeletal quality to them as if to be X-rays of real plant life. Vicki lives in the Kansas City area and creates her sculpture from her home studio. I purchased this leaf for my mother for Mother's Day. (No worries, she doesn't read my blog.) I enjoyed photographing this for it's architectural qualities that can easily look completely abstract. I have enjoyed seeing Vicki at various art fairs around Kansas. She is delightful in person as she looks in this picture.Orbit Originals By Vicki Vespestad Available at: Kemper Museum Shop 4420 Warwick Boulevard Kansas City, MO 64111 // Phoenix Gallery 919 Massachusetts St. Lawrence, KS 66044 // Gifted Hands Gallery Crown Center 2450 Grand Boulevard Kansas City, MO 64108

Coffee Goodness!!!!!

2009-04-26T19:03:00.004-05:00

Oh sweet Jesus! If you haven't tried these yet, you MUST! I bought my first box of six today just to see if they were any good or not. Let me put it this way...on the first bite my eyes rolled back in my head as I took in the total yummy goodness! They nailed the flavor of a cafe mocha perfectly, and the texture and quality of the chocolate on the bottom is superb. The granola bar is soft and just enough salty. This bar can fool you into thinking you have had a real coffee and whole grain muffin. It is a very rewarding breakfast bar experience. YUMMMMMY! Try them! For more information about Caribou Coffee and all of their yummy products, you may visit their website at Caribou Coffee

Eye candy at Gage Park!

2009-04-23T01:27:00.011-05:00

Not much more to be said here. This is eye candy! I took these photos between 7pm and 8pm last night at Gage Park, here in Topeka, KS. It was just a carpet of color. Major kudos for all the folks who did the plantings and care for these gardens. This is truly spectacular!

Beautiful spring in Topeka

2009-04-15T20:24:00.016-05:00

It seems lately that disaster is happening to people I care about all around me, and those people seem to be experiencing the same thing. Just when I don't think I can take anymore heartbreak, something awful happens to another person I love. I have had a heavy heart today with so many people I am thinking about. I decided that I would take my camera to Gage Park after work and try to capture some peace and beauty. I was not disappointed. The tulips and pansies were beautiful, and there was a light breeze on the pond. There were two Canadian geese gliding along on the water and frolicking about in the grass looking for food. It was good medicine to replenish my spirit. I took 128 photos. They all came out beautiful. Here are a handful of them.

Kansas weather

2009-04-06T00:00:00.009-05:00

That's what we say to other Kansas when talking about our weather, "It was 87 on March 1st and we had big white fluffy snowflakes on April second. This crazy weather is going to cause the blossoms to fall off the trees." "That's Kansas weather". We can't really help but be interested in the weather here, because it seems the weather is interested in us. We are smack in the middle of "Tornado Alley", yet I have never seen a twister touch down with my own eyes. I like to take pictures from the back side of sever storms. I hope someday to photograph a twister, but not near a city mind you. No one would wish for that. Here are some pictures from the west side of the big thunderstorm that swept through our area yesterday. I had just come from a trunk show and showing off my jewelry, so I ended up shooting these pictures in a pink dress and heels. Yep, I climbed down and up a muddy ditch and stode through tall field grass to get to a place where th pictures wouldn't be riddled with power lines and cars or buildings. Gotta do what I gotta do! These were all taken between 6:30 and 7:40 PM from the same location, a corner of some rural property on very south Gage Blvd. here in Topeka

Creative road blocks

2009-03-27T10:50:00.004-05:00

Creative road blocks... I have been giving this a lot of thought lately. What is it that keeps you from doing your best work? What is holding you back? Are you doing your best work? Are you doing your best, but feeling like it's not good? What about your work do you think isn't good? Why do you feel that way? Are you afraid to fail? Are you afraid to go exploring on your own? Are you bound to certain ideals and judgements that materials are only supposed to be used in certain ways? Are you bound by artistic rules?

What is it? Why are you stuck?

I am finding in my interactions with other artists and crafters that people are full of fears when it comes to artistic growth. I hear a lot of, "I can't", or "I could never do that", or "That is way too hard for me." They say these things before they even have the chance to see how it's done. They throw out their own road blocks before there is even a chance to learn and have fun. Why to we think so lowly of our ability to learn? What is it that beats down our self confidence? I am looking for answers to this.

I am finding that the most important thing I can do when I am working with other artists is to help them find in themselves the confidence to lay these fears aside and just "play". How can we expect to be innovative in our medium if we haven't taken the time to explore it, free of expectation. Practice and play helps us grow and helps us to see that we really can do more that we think we can. People judge themselves and it seems do everything in their power to downplay their abilities. This takes the fun, the joy, and the wonder out of doing artistic activity. The thing is, what we believe about ourselves ultimately becomes true, because we have already decided that our ability stops at whatever designated point.

Helping people find the place in themselves where they are free to play and free to enjoy fully the act of doing something creative is one of my highest goals. If I can get a person over even one small hurdle, I can see how this completely changes their attitude and approach. Wonderful things happen. These people end up making things none of us could have imagined. One thing leads to another and the results are amazing. There is a passion there that was plagued by fear before.

Ask your self these questions and think about your own creative endeavors. Is there something keeping you from doing your very best work? If you are the one holding yourself back, just know you are robbing yourself of true joy in creating and making. These issues have to be resolved before your true artistic voice will reveal itself. It may be baby steps to get yourself very slowly out of your comfort zone, but believe me, this journey is worth taking. Soon enough you will find that you are running, even flying. Stop telling yourself you are not good enough, and just allow yourself to love what you are doing. Life is too short. Enjoy it to the fullest.

Extraordinary beauty

2009-03-18T11:39:00.003-05:00

In one of my late night adventures looking for inspiration on Flickr, I discovered the beautiful creations of Israeli artist and industrial designer, Yael Falk. Yael had been working as an industrial designer, which mainly involves doing creative work on a computer. During a time of relocation to Switzerland, she took her first jewelry class and was instantly in love. These gorgeous pieces are all crocheted with wire. Back in Israel, Yael divides her time between the two arts, writing articles, and now has a new blog!

Yael also sells her beautiful creations on her Etsy shop YooLa.

Making Art

2009-03-08T05:09:00.008-05:00

Recently, I was asked about my design process on one of the forums I post to. And I thought I would share my thoughts with you also.A fellow wire artist recently commented that my work seems spontaneous and uninhibited, and that is completely accurate. I am self taught and was well into creating pieces and developing my voice as an artist before I discovered other people were doing this too. It was like magic the first time I found out that this had a name and that there were pictures of other people's work online. I am glad that I didn't start out learning from anyone because I think it would have influenced my unique style. Learning techniques now is such a good thing, because I can work those skills into my pieces my way, and have a gradual evolution in my work and natural growth, instead of an abrupt change. I never want it to seem like, "Oooo! Look at the new skill I learned." I try to add elements in when they will seem most appropriate, and then experiment with them as I go.
My process is highly intuitive. I don't plan my pieces ahead of time. That is a process that is impossible for me. I can't even pick out materials until the very moment I am going to start making something. Choosing the cabochon or focal bead is an often time consuming for me. It's sort of a "feeling" type thing. I have a very large collection to choose from and may go through several boxes before I pick the "right" stone or piece of glass. I have learned to trust my intuition and not force my will on something. Sometimes I'll get so hung up on wanting to use something right away. I'll use it and try to make it work, but I find the work ends up being uninspired and uninteresting. I usually end up cutting the piece up and putting the stone back in the box. I have learned to trust my intuition from the start. It usually is the deciding factor in whether or not the creation of a new piece is going to go well.
After I have chosen the stone, I choose the wire. Most of the time I am completely open to using anything, any color, "artistic" or precious metal, one color or three colors, two wires or five.... I just start holding the wire up to the stone, looking at different combinations, etc. One option will usually win over the others because it will either spawn another idea about either additional materials, like crystal or beads. Or, I will decide on some design element that I might try to work into the piece if the design ends up allowing for it.
Once I have the wire selected, I just start making the piece. This either starts with binding the wires to make some sort of cage, or threading it through the hole of a focal bead. I never see beyond the step I am on until that step is completed. By that, I mean every loop, each bend of the wire, every movement of my fingers or a tool. I make a deliberate choice or decision each step of the way. Even when I have maybe four more decisions to make, I have no idea how the piece will actually end. I don't visualize any of it. When I finish a piece, it's exciting for me. Usually I am amazed at what it looks like, because I couldn't have imagined anything like that. And then I am thrilled that I like the piece. Because I know, if I really like it, someone else out there will too.
Another aspect of the process is that I spend a lot of time fueling and feeding my right brain. I look at all kinds of things all over the internet, most of which are not jewelry. I will admit to spending ridiculous amounts of time looking at gemstones, but that doesn't influence my work to the degree that other things do. Some of the things that I like to fill my mind with are Flickr photostreams (usually watched as a slide show) of underwater ocean life, weather photos, photos of textiles, orchids, odd occurrences in nature, beautifully designed clothing, anything made of glass (ex.Dale Chihuly), art made of odd materials, places I dream of visiting. The list goes on and on. I allow my time on the net to be very serendipity, following trails from one place to the next, knowing I can go back and look at whatever later. My hope is that by looking at all these things, I am filling my mind with files of great color palettes, architectural design, and interesting textures that might at some point find their way into my work and help me grow as an artist.

I love the colors of Kansas and that tends to influence my work the most. But, I love color and never cease to be surprised and wowed by the things I see.
One of the things I feel is important to always have as part of my designs is an overall feeling of joy and love, and always a touch of whimsy. I want the give the viewer an uplift as much as the wearer. I do think this is something I have managed to achieve in my work, and I hope I never waiver from it. Making these pieces is therapy for me. Just running the wire through my fingers gives me a sense of calm and balance.

One aspect to my work that people find surprising is that I am not directly focused on what I am doing while I am creating my pieces. I am usually thinking about other things and making intuitive design decisions as I go. I love to listen to podcasts, music, or talk to friends with a headset on while I am working. I sometimes work in quiet, but not often. During storms I like to listen to only that. I usually have my cat Nigel for conversation as well.
Thanks for taking the time to read this post. As with every artist, it is a snapshot in time. That's the wonderful thing about a weblog. I will be able to look back at these posts and see how my work and feelings about it have evolved and developed.

Nigel: The heat seeker

2009-02-24T10:17:00.003-06:00

Not much to say here. Valentine's Day morning, this is what Nigel was up to. Note the proxymity of the mini-heater.

Having a blast

2009-02-19T02:42:00.003-06:00

I am having a blast making jewelry with some of my new gemstones from the big gem show in Tuscon. This is my latest creation, a pendant with green crazy lace agate, glass beads and copper wire.

A thoughtful approach to color in design

2009-02-15T00:38:00.004-06:00

Halley's Comet Nikki of Etsy store Enwraptured is the creator of all of these beautiful pieces. I discovered her shop about a year ago and have enjoyed the uniqueness of her designs. I have purchased a piece from her, and it was outstanding. Not a detail left unconsidered. I recently asked her to speak about color and what inspires her choice of materials and combinations of color. Here she shares her artistic insight, and leaves us with perhaps some new things to consider in our own color process. Bloom "As a lover of art in all its forms, I am always inspired by artists both daring and bold, nature itself, and the organization of color hues in the color wheel. Instead of asking myself which colors "match", in an obvious context (ie. red and pink), I ask which colors compliment one another in the greater scheme of the design. The colors which occur intrinsically in the sea, the neighborhood park, my own living room, therefore immediately denotes a natural progression of color combinations when I consider design elements."
White Cloud Monastery "An article on supernovas, for instance, with stunningly effective photographs, inspired my piece "Halley's Comet", incororating an orange and blue combination which, though not an exact interpretation, feels natural. Instead of seeing the tan of desert sand, consider the burnt umber of its horizon and the pale apricot of the sky at dusk, the mustard of distant dunes and the gray of their shadows. Generally speaking, yellow, pink, brown and gray are not obvio!" Garnet In Smoke "Unsusal color combination choices, but when you consider the context, they work beautifully together. In the end, however, it's a matter of perspective and personal interpretation. I believe a true appreciation of art, in a classical sense, will help develop the palette of an artist in any genre, and therefore, stretch myself to research and read and experience nature and life in more than an observatonal way. It's important to live the colors around you." In the Foam

Blushing Bride

2009-02-14T14:08:00.003-06:00

In honor of Valentine's Day, and all the folks out there blessed with love, I bring you my newest creation Blushing Bride. Single or married, remember to always give love to the people in your life. It is free, and it is a beautiful thing.

Love is in the air

2009-02-13T12:08:00.006-06:00

Super serious softies, she says. Owner and designer ErinLee makes these wonderful seahorses. They are surprisingly larger than I would have expected. They are made from recycled fabric and sweaters. I seriously love them. Above is a picture of ErinLee's daughter having a good time with the seahorses. A great picture to show how big they are. If you would like to purchase one (or more) of these darlings Visit her Etsy store at Snaulkter

I'm back!

2009-02-11T11:22:00.005-06:00

Hello all. Sorry I have been away so long. Health stuff still not solved but I am working on it. I have found through dealing with all this, that I have an even stronger desire to create. I think in some ways I am more open minded when I am making jewelry while feeling ill. I make things that later become wonderments to me. Working with the wire, straightening and curling the wire with my fingers is calming for me, almost meditative. I think sometimes, working on a more elaborite piece and taking my time actually can help me feel less sick. It has a stabilizing effect.

The only other activity that I have experienced that is with music. Playing cello, just closing my eyes and playing what I know is also calming and meditative. I often find, when I am playing this way, that my mind wanders into other creative realms. I can be thinking about flowers or fabric, jewelry or gemstones, painting (which I have never done before). Sometimes I think about other people who I care about, and it can become a spiritual offering, like a prayer.

So, while I have been away I have made several new pieces. These are just a few. I the days and weeks to come, I will be featuring new artists and crafters, and new ecclectica and interesting tidbits. I am glad to be back!

Returning February 1st

2009-01-14T04:40:00.002-06:00

Due to health issues I am forced to set the blog aside for a while. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers while I get this figured out and hopefully start feeling better. I have some great guests lined up for the blog for when I come back. And REMEMBER, Feb 1st is the deadline for being entered into a drawing for a $75 custom piece of wearable art. All you have to do is email me about how you use color in your designs. Anything you have to say about color as it applies to your own work, or other thoughts about it qualifies. Thanks for your patience and understanding. I truly appreciate it. Dawn

2008! Best year of my life!

2009-01-02T02:22:00.004-06:00

You may be thinking, "Oh, jeeze. Another synopsis of someone's year.." click! No, this won't be that. 2008 has been the best year of my life though. It's not that anything really newsworthy happened, or that nothing really awful happened. I had several really awful things happen this year. That's pretty much normal for everyone, isn't it? I can't really say anything really off-the-scale incredible has happened either. The big thing that has anchored the success of my year this year is being able to experience what I believe is a "normal" life. Daily living, free of the severe depression that has ruled my life as long as I can remember. Finally, after 22 years of trying different medications, treatments, and therapies. A doctor has finally found a drug combination that has given me relief from a life of constant worry, sadness, pain and grief. The things I have been able to do and achieve this year are completely unremarkable to the average person. But for me, they are major milestones. I have done things this year that I never dreamed would ever be possible. I stood in front of a group of people and talked about my art jewelry while giving a slide show. I have given classes. I talk to people I don't know without fearing humiliation and rejection. I actually believe I can make a difference in other people's lives. I am confident and don't experience embarassment when I do stupid things. It's not that I am just "happy" all the time. It's that I am not sad and in pain all the time. Just having relief from it is what I consider happiness. Having this tremendous burden lifted from me, I feel that I can conquer anything in this life I set my mind to. And I am grateful for every opportunity that comes my way. I can set goals and be confident in my ability to achieve them. I readily accept the help of others, and offer help to others when I am capable of it. I am sharing all of this because it might help someone out there not to give up the fight. It has taken me 22 years. Who knows, my body chemistry might change at some point, and I'll have to start this process all over again. But for now, I am content being able to say that I have had a year of objective thinking, free from misery. My new year's message to you is FIGHT THE FIGHT. Never give up. You deserve to not be trapped in a prison of hostile (and very real) thoughts being created by your own brain. I am thankful to the people in my life who have stuck by my side, tolerated my irrational thoughts and behavior, and believed in my future enough to not give up on me. I would not have made it without their unconditional love, support, patience, and understanding. So, I write this as an offering of my support to you, whoever you are. I want to give you this as a message of hope and encouragement. Make YOU a priority and keep trying new things, no matter how difficult it seems, until relief arrives. YOU are worth it. You are probably wondering...... What's up with all the kites? Well, my goal for 2009 (sort of a wish or desire, really) is to go to one of these giant kite festivals. What could be more fun and happy? All the color, pleasant climate, people having a good time... definitely something I want to experience live, instead of just looking at cool pictures of other people's fun. All of these photos, and may more cool shots can be viewed at the Flickr group pool Giant Kites.

90 New Jewelry Kaleidoscopes!

2008-12-19T01:31:00.003-06:00

That's right! 90! You can check out the whole collection on my website, Dawn Blair Jewelry, or on my Flickr photostream.

Yummy Copper Jewelry

2008-12-15T11:17:00.003-06:00

End of a Long Road 2, forged pendant by Vagabond Jewelry

Egyptian Cuff copper chainmaille with hand made glass cartouche beads by Redcrow at Corvus Chainmaille

Pretty Pearl Pod Necklace, electroformed seed pod with set pearl, by Tigerlilly Shop

You are probably thinking to yourself, "Yes, it is!" These featured artists are part of a Flickr Group Pool called Yummy Copper Jewelry. Last week, I was invited to join the group pool, and am so excited. The artists in the group do beautiful work. It is an honor to be included. Plus, what could possibly be better than copper?! Check out the whole photostream. And go back often. New jewelry is added to the group frequently.

Quilling!

2008-12-11T21:29:00.004-06:00

Paper Treasures! Right here in Topeka!

A very special surprise at BizBaz. I was doing the sprint in an effort to visit all the booths and see what other artists we making, while my mother watched my booth. I nearly fell over when I saw the quilling! I had been on Kathie and Gregg's site, Paper Treasures, many times over the past many months. I've been wanting to do a feature on the blog about quilling to honor my mother and one of the unique crafts we did together when I was a little girl. Kathie's designs are clean, well made, beautiful works of art made of rolled paper. I feel so happy to own one of her mum brooches. It is totally adorable on my vintage Lee jean jacket! What's even more exciting is that they are local- right here in Topeka! I still can't believe it. Please visit their site and consider one of these unique pieces for Christmas.

snowy gray inspiration

2008-12-10T07:41:00.006-06:00

Yesterday light snowfall inspired me to to bring the camera to work and shoot this picture of our now hibernating garden. I wanted to capture the moment in a piece of jewelry. So here is your first look at "Snowy Day", which I created last night.

Graphic artist, Gregor Volpert, on color

2008-12-07T19:07:00.005-06:00

On November 10th, I sent out a call to artists to submit their thoughts about color. And for doing so, your name will be put in a drawing on Feb. 1st... (see Nov. 10th post). Anyhow, Graphic Artist Greg Volpert took the time so share some of his thoughts about color and it's various roles in his work.Beaders and jewelry artists, draw inspiration from Greg's color palette. And please do share your new creations with us. I promise to do the same. Okay folks, here's our mini interview- * Do you believe the region of the country you live in, or city vs. country, influences your chosen color palette? I know that the earth tones, trees, water, fields, and vast skyscapes of my beloved Kansas countryside influence my choices. I spent a lot of my childhood exploring the woods and lying on my belly, peering into creeks at crawdads and pickerel frogs. Frogs, and goats, have the most beautiful eyes, like gold-flecked jewels. An autumn walk through a field that looks uniformly tan from the highway uncovers a whole unexpected world of colors: reds, purples, greens and golds, blues and grays and whites. And totally unexpected juxtapositions, and they work. I'm beginning to think there's no such thing as "a color that doesn't appear in nature". I live in a city where a spectacular rainbow, towering miles into the sky and spanning the eastern horizon, made the front page of the newspaper this summer. Crowds of shoppers were pouring out of the stores to see it and take pictures, calling their friends on cell phones, "HURRY! You've got to see this!" In the east, an electrifying triple rainbow, neon-vivid against a slate-gray sky; turn 360 degrees; and in the west, a breathtaking sunset. No skyscrapers to obscure the view. * Does your color palette change because of current color in fashion or media? No, In SPITE of it! Retro is the new black! (...Sometimes I'll ask myself, "What would Thomas Kinkade do?" Because whatever Thomas Kinkade does, it's precisely what I do NOT want to do. Thomas Kinkade is the Antichrist!) * Are you challenged to find a color palette that defines you as an artist? Hey. I used to be. But I got wise. All I had to do was get me a Grumbacher color wheel. "Okay, I like golds and oranges. Why do blues and purples work so well with those? …Aha."* Are you challenged to constantly redefine your work with color? Once in a while I'll revisit an old project and go, dear god, what was I thinking? ...OR, I'll pat myself on the back and admit that I was a lot more sophisticated back then than I gave myself credit for. So ... sometimes yes, sometimes no. The enclosed piece (email me to view this image) is an example of an older project revisited and major coloristic changes made. The original was fine, but it was time to move into a new area. I can't wait to see what I do with it four or five years from now. * Are the colors you choose to work with influenced by the type of media you work in? Oh, definitely, definitely. If I'm working in colored pencil I tend to use subtler colors and gradations; but switch to paint and I become the Iron Chef. And having millions of colors of digital paint at my disposal gives me the whole symphony orchestra to play with, and the amphitheatre, and the recording studio. In fact sometimes I have to force myself to limit my palette, there's just too many choices.* How do you choose the colors you work with? Frequently I'm trying to achieve a trompe-l'oeil effect so obviously, the appearance of the object dictates the colors. If there's a specific mood or feel I need to convey, I'll make color choices accordingly; taking liberties with values and contrasts and whatnot. * Is your color palette chosen based on personal taste, or your perception of your own self? Well you see, that's one of the wonderful things about being an artist! You can impose your own tastes (or lack thereof) on the world. I'd say most of the time it's based on my own tastes, but wouldn't those be an outgrowth of one's self-perception? "I'm a witty sophisticate, hence my color choices shall reflect that." "I'm a worthless wretch, the world is a cold gray tomb, and my colors reflect that." "I'm an outrageous maverick who prizes shock value, and that extends to my use of color."* Do outside forces like music, politics, seasons, job environment, friendships etc. influence your color choices? You bet! All of the above and more. But you know what? Many times it's like a self-hypnosis thing, for instance: okay, I'm going through the most horrible time imaginable, I need to cheer myself up, I will consciously use happy, sunny colors even though I feel like something you scrape off your shoe. OR, I'm in a good state emotionally and spiritually, I can afford to explore the DARK SIDE.Music is inseparable from my creative process. I've gotta have music be it vintage jazz or Jefferson Airplane, whether I'm drawing or cooking. Music influences my colors, and it influences my spices! * Is your choice of color completely random? A matter of whatever is available to work with at the time a project is begun? Since most of my work these days is onscreen it's not a question of what's available. It's ALL available. And Hobby Lobby is only three blocks from my home, so if I need a different acrylic paint or a Prismacolor, it's just a matter of making sure I look presentable and marching down the hill. Except on Sundays of course. I may do some experimenting while I'm creating a piece but I usually have a good idea where I'm going. (Especially if I'm working under a deadline.) It's in those final, piddling-around, tweaking stages (where I'll move a line of type half a point[*], study it, and move it back) where I may make some arbitrary choices, just to see what effect they'll have. After all, there's always Command Z. [*] I'm not kidding about that half-a-point business. That's One 144th of an inch! Like anybody's gonna notice? * Are your color choices formulaic, or based on spiritual meaning of color? Ummm, maybe a little of both? Maybe there's a spiritual formula, a Golden Section for Color. A Divine Color Scheme: A Red scene is Mean, while Green is Serene? And Yellow is Mellow, but...what the heck rhymes with Orange? By way of winding up, I grabbed this paragraph out of my earlier e-mail to you, Dawn: Although I don't really consider that there's a typical Greg Volpert Color Scheme, I definitely have a signature style; and occasionally when I'm trying to jump-start the creativity I find myself using familiar colors, and combinations of color, that have worked for me before - kind of my Color Comfort Zone, I guess. I want to be more like the Mexicans when it comes to color. You know, BOLD. SURPRISING. FEARLESS. Greg Volpert does freelance work from his home in Lawrence, Kansas. --You may visit him at either website below. PORTFOLIOS: http://www.myspace.com/smileymurdock http://www.creativehub.com/users/Greg-Volpert

How do we make a difference?

2008-12-06T23:43:00.004-06:00

The above photo is entitled Assume Nothing. This and many more spectacular photos on notsogoodphotography-'s Flickr photostream. The economy is bad and people are losing jobs and..... Yes, it is real. And now it is the holidays. What do we do? Here are some of my thoughts on the topic. And in case anyone is thinking, "I can't afford to do that." Think again. My own income is very, very limited. Yet, I feel I am able to make a difference in peoples lives in my own unique way. That is the thing. It is all about placing value on our own personal expression, and using that as a gateway for creating and giving. Give yourself permission to make things without judging yourself. Realize that just making a gesture of kindness, or encouraging words to others, whether we see a need or not, really does make a difference. Giving someone something that you took the time to make, no matter how it turns out, is worth far more than going to a department store and spending a bunch of money on something the person probably doesn't need anyway. If you are planning to give gifts this Christmas, consider making them this year. With so many craft and DIY websites and blogs out there these days, it is easy now to find cool projects that anyone can successfully do. If you just don't think you can, then consider regifting brand new items that were never used. Add a few other things to give it a personal touch. Like that cute coffee mug with the snowman you got last year- get some gourmet coffee and a few truffles and put in a decorative basket for a new gift to give a different friend. If you just simply don't have time to fuss with all of this, then PLEASE consider buying handmade items directly from artists and crafters. Know for a fact where your money is going. Know that artists really need your support right now (as do galleries). You are really making a difference by supporting the person who put their time and love into creating their art or craft, and the person who receives the gift will appreciate that you thought enough of them to buy a one of a kind gift for them. Above all remember to GIVE YOUR TIME. Your time is the most precious gift you can give. It is important to carve out time, even when it seems impossible, to spend with the people you care about. When you are out and about, y0u can make a real difference by just being helpful. People are so stressed out right now. Just a smile, or helping someone get something off the top shelf at the grocery store, or letting an elderly person go in front of you in line can really turn things around. It can also inspire those who saw your random act of kindness to do the same. Remember, it's NOT all about the money. It's all about being creative. Finding creative solutions to the lack of money and resources can often produce things of unimaginable beauty. Look inside yourself for your own creative gifts to give. Then watch and listen wherever you go. People need the smiles and kind gestures we can all give. Our own lives become richer when we are able to give, no matter what we are giving or to whom we give it. Here are some websites that can help you on your crafty holiday adventures. Craftzine Blog Crafty-Moms Country Living Crafts DIY Network Christmas How To Videos West Coast Crafty ecobites The Elfster This is only a starter list. There are thousands of sites out there. Just do a Google search for what you want to do or buy. With the exception of Craftzine and DIY, the others on the list I just happened upon with one Google search. Have fun everybody, and be sure and share what you are making!

At the Library on Sunday Dec.7

2008-12-04T10:27:00.004-06:00

The Elarius Duo

Music for a Sunday Afternoon: Elaris Duo Sunday, December 7, 1:00–2:00 PM Marvin Auditorium 101BC at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library Larisa and Steven Elisha internationally acclaimed violin and cello artists will perform special pieces from their newest recording, Duo Virtuoso.

Larisa and Steven Elisha have distinguished themselves around the world as soloists, chamber musicians and teachers. Together they are the incomparable Elaris Duo whose electrifying performances and consummate artistry have delighted audiences from the moment their association began.

Recipients of the prestigious 2008 Governor s Arts Award in the category of Artist, the Elaris Duo have been awarded a Chamber Music America Residency Grant for 2005-2006, Musicians of the Year 2003 by the Kansas Federation of Music Clubs and selected for the Kansas Artists on Tour Program roster. In March, 2008, the duo appeared as featured soloists with the Taiwan National Arts Orchestra in the famed National Hall and in January, 2007 presented a performance at the Hawaii International Conference for Arts and Humanities.

Steven can also be credited with saving me from a lifetime of neck and back pain. He teaches a more ergonomic way of playing, that has helped me immensely. Please come out for the performance. They are outstanding.

Thank You!

2008-12-01T09:57:00.002-06:00

Thank you to everyone who attended BizBaz and supported the art and craft community. We are all struggling to keep ourselves afloat. So, isn't it nice to know exactly where your money is going this holiday season. Please tell your friends and family to support handmade this season.

I have a major cold due to night after night of working late to make enough jewelry for all my fall shows. BizBaz was my last show of the season, so now I can rest and take care of myself. I will be taking a week off from designing, and may not post to the blog again until later in the week. It was really great meeting you all at the show. Stay warm!

BIZARRE BAZAAR 2008 Tomorrow!

2008-11-28T22:32:00.002-06:00

Well it's that time again. The best show of the year- BizBaz, in Lawrence. I set up tonight and the show is tomorrow from 9am to 5pm. DON'T MISS IT! This is the place to do all of your Christmas shopping. The variety, uniqueness, and quality of the items being sold is outstanding. Here's a link to the BizBaz website. And, here are the details. Hope to see you there! Bizarre Bazaar 2008 Saturday, November 29th 9am to 5pm Lawrence Art Center 940 New Hampshire Street Lawrence, KS

New Work

2008-11-19T06:56:00.005-06:00

Sorry folks, I am keeping this one for myself! These delicate copper leaves were made by basket artist Teresa Johnston. She very generously came out to the studio and showed me how to make these leaves, and also flame patina them with a small torch. Very exciting! I made this in the wee hours of the morning. Two other designers and I stayed up all night on a Saturday night and just laughed and had a great time making pieces in a "no pressure zone", just for our own pleasure. I used to be a floral designer, and I think some of that came out in the piece. Fall is my favorite time of year. This piece encompasses so much pleasure and joy, I just can't bear to part with it...at least yet anyway.

Sweet Dreams Beads

2008-11-14T12:51:00.004-06:00

Now these are some sweet designs to dream about, that's for sure. Lisa DeCanio began beading in 2003. From her very first necklace, she knew this would fast become her passion and obsession. She lies to create pieces that are big and bold, and make a statement. The inspiration for her color palette and choice of materials is based in the idea of an old treasure chest full of glorious color, richness and discovery. I found these lovely designs on her Etsy store, Sweet Dreams Beads.

Artists/Crafters! Your thoughts about color....

2008-11-10T12:39:00.015-06:00

I am putting out a call for your thoughts about color, and an image of your work to share with my readers. I am on a personal quest to find out what inspires and influences to colors we use in our creations. Some questions to consider"

Do you believe the region of the country you live in, or city vs. country, influences your chosen color palette?
Does your color palette change because off current color in fashion or media?
Are you challenged to find a color palette that defines you as an artist?
Are you challenged to constantly redefine your work with color?
Are the colors you chose to work with influenced by the type of media you work in?
How do you choose the colors you work with?
Is your color palette chosen based on personal taste, or your perception of your own self?
Do outside forces like music, politics, seasons, job environment, friendships etc. influence your color choices?
Is your choice of color completely random? A matter of whatever is available to work with at the time a project is begun?
Are your color choices formulaic, or based on spiritual meaning of color?

I want to know everything. Choose as many or as few of these aspects to talk about. There is no limit on length or brevity of your post. Please include an image of your work, and any links you would like to include. Your name will go into a drawing for a $75.00 custom piece of art jewelry made by me, just for you. The drawing will be February 1st, 2009. This date marks the one year anniversary of making my love and passion for making art jewelry a business. The aim here is to inspire each other, while looking inside ourselves to understand better why we make the choices we make in our art, and seeing more clearly what our own artistic voice is. If we know where we are coming from, we will know where we want to go. Please send your email to cellocarrots@gmail.com To see images of my work on the web, go to http://www.dawnblairjewelry.com/

Sunrise at Ft. Riley

2008-10-26T23:24:00.003-05:00

Well, after a wonderful evening, all night, and into morning, fabulous jewelry making extravaganza, which ended around 5am, I felt it best, as the awake and alert person in the group to follow the gal from Junction City home, so that we would all be sure she made it home safely. A little over an hour trip, we pulled into Denny's and had breakfast and coffee. She went home and I drove over toward Ft. Riley to get some sunrise pictures. Unfortunately, my batteries died after only a few pictures, so I went ahead and drove back to Topeka, watching the sun rise over the Flint Hills and cast beautiful long shadows across the landscape. Here are a few cool shots I got in a camp area near base.

Part 2: The role of emotion in the creative process

2008-10-24T01:43:00.008-05:00

I received a comment from friend, fellow crafter, and writer, blogger, Jen of Scrapdash. Her thoughts and insight on this topic offered some different perspectives on this topic that I thought you, my readers, would find valuable. So, I am offering it as a seperate post. To see more photos of Jen's, link here to her Flickr photostream. Here is what Jen had to say in response to my previous post................................................................................................................................ I can relate to the woman in your example. When I was first married, my level of satisfaction in my marriage matched and then replaced what my natural means of expression had given me since the fifth grade. I didn't write for several years. And I didn't make this connection right away because I didn't see yet how I'd been writing chiefly out of a source of pain; I just knew I'd stopped writing...and that I didn't "need" to write. And yet I did need to on a fundamental level.

Or, rather, I needed to write differently but I didn't know how. Sometime before my 30th birthday I realized I didn't like using my writing (or my marriage for that matter) as an escape pod from old hurts. It struck me as immature. Despite all my formal training, however, I didn't know how to change the attitude through which I had been regarding the world. My default setup is melancholic. When that's all you've ever known, it's a funk tough to look beyond.

And then, ironically enough, I read a favorite novel I hadn't picked up since high school. It was like my eyes had been uncrossed and I could finally see beyond myself. I could see more than despair, certainly, but I also could see more than beauty. Both sadness and happiness are made up of stark truths hidden within miasmas of emotion. For some reason at that point in my life, this favorite old story I re-read was able to help me find the solid bits and parts of happiness. And I began to write about them.

Since then I've gone through another dry spell in which my pens might be better used in a game of darts on an acoustic tile ceiling. But I've been encouraged by what Kathleen Norris, a poet, observed about prairie grass. She calls it "a perfect metaphor for the creative process." During times of drought, the grass "seems to die all the way to the roots..." Yet "it's a question of being patient and having faith that the writing process isn't dead, but rather just going through some kind of transformation" because, referring once more to the grasslands, "the minute there's moisture, it just springs green."

I appreciate your practical advice about working on your art, how it can be work and what that work can look like. I've rarely journaled formally but I jot notes on scraps of paper. I'm trying to keep my eyes open and uncrossed, to "remain," as Kathleen Norris concluded, "at least alert enough to receive what the world is trying to give" me."

October 23, 2008 5:21 AM

Thanks Jen for this insightful contribution.

The role of emotion in the creative process

2008-10-23T00:57:00.003-05:00

This photo can be found Neshachan's Flickr photostream. It portrays sadness and depression.

Recently, I was reading a string on a craft blog basically supporting the view that in order to produce good art, one must be suffering or sad or depressed. When a person experiences loss or grief the mind fills with creative ideas and the need to express the emotional pain through art or craft. The person leading this discussion said that since she had found a wonderful man to be with her life had settled down and she was the happiest she has ever been. The problem is that now she is having trouble creating and coming up with ideas.

I think this view is an unhealthy one. To rely on drama or tragedy to provide a muse to create really is a cop out. Being an artist or crafter is something that you either are or aren't. You aren't going to create great art if you don't get in the studio and start working....on anything. That's right...anything. If you don't get in there and pick up the tools and start making something, nothing creative will have a chance to happen. Sometimes just starting will take us to places we never could have imagined. It is okay to give ourselves permission to be happy and celebrate joy in our work. We don't always have to express something dark and complicated. We don't always have to scream for the world to hear what we have to say. Happy can be just as deep as sad. Inspiration can be found in anything.

This glass sculpture by Dale Chihuly can be found on his website. This sculpture portrays fun, joy, and happiness.

Sometimes what we make when we think there is no muse can be so profound. Try committing to 10 minutes of activity in the studio. Let what you make be intuitive with no intentions and no conditions. Just make something. Maybe just do an exercise. For example, say you will make something only using blues. Or, maybe make something using only one tool or one material. Do something totally in the realm of play. Take time to play, and your work will become richer and more interesting. We are so blessed to have the gift of being able to work with our hands, creating something out of nothing. Even the things we make that never get sold or given away have purpose. Every piece we make leads us to the next piece, and the next. If we avoid the studio because the idea hasn't been delivered to your front door, you are missing opportunities. The idea will probably only be delivered if you are in the studio working, ready to receive it.

The very finest dining in Topeka

2008-10-19T20:33:00.002-05:00

RowHouse

515 SW Van Buren St. Topeka, Kansas 66603

Phone: 785.817.6052 Email: rowhousetopeka@gmail.com

Okay, this is how I discovered this fabulous place. I had decided if my exhibit and "meet and greet" at the Jewelry Box went well, I would go celebrate by having dinner at a place that had live music. Perfectly willing to drive to Lawrence or KC, I started my Google search for something fun. Great food was also a requirement, not just some dive with a house band. So as I was scrolling through various links, I found this link to a news story, a 49 News interview of Row House owner and head chef Greg Fox about Wheatstock. There is a clip of him performing really nice music that he had written himself. The key here is that he was a TOPEKAN. 49 news interview

So then, I started trying to find a performance schedule, hoping that he would be playing somewhere in Topeka, and that I could go have dinner and then go to hear him play. It would be a great evening. So, as I was scrolling through the search looking for times and dates, THAT is when I found Row House. I couldn't believe it. The website was telling me I could have everything I was looking for AND not have to leave Topeka. The site had a phone number and said to call for reservations, so I did. Thinking that the website had to be a mirage, I asked "Um, are you guys open tonight?" "Yes, we are." And I made a reservation for 8:30 for just myself. When I arrived a little before 8:30. I opened the door and Shawna comes right down the stairs and says, "Are you Dawn?", and introduces herself to me. She takes me into a quaint little room with about 10 other people dining. I had a cute little table with a candle and started with a nice glass of red wine. Looking at the menu of what appeared to be completely sumptuous choices, I decided to go with the option of having small portions of the entire listing of courses. I will list the menu at the bottom, after I have finished describing the experience.While I sipped my wine and took in the wonderful atmosphere, I noticed the fresh flowers and original artwork. This piece is an original by Justin Marable, entitled Abandoned But Interconnected. It was hanging above my table for me to enjoy. There were two others in the small room where I was dining. But after dinner, when Shawna gave me a tour of the whole house, I discovered there were several more. Enough in fact, that I suggested that they participate in First Friday Art Walk. There were also original works by two other very talented local artists. They had much more art displayed there than many of the galleries here in town. Not only that, but a great many photos showing Topeka's rich history and the story of Row House. Even the bathrooms had photos and artwork. All properly lit and thoughtfully displayed. Anyway, as I am taking in this first work of art, I am served a "starter", something wonderful that was a surprise, not on the menu. It was a little piece of crisp bread (cracker-like) and a lovely dollup each of a hummus and delicate cheese confection, with a little olive oil artfully framing the tasty centerpiece. So, this is how the evening started. Every plate that came to my table looked like a work of art, beautifully arranged to create a mouth watering aesthetic. Each course was a perfect combination of flavors and textures. I could taste every element of each of these compositions. The ingredients were so fresh. With every bite, I just couldn't believe I was experiencing food this way. Each course was special, and served at appropriate intervals so that I was neither rushed, nor ever waiting. I was ready for the next course just at the time it was brought to me. The desserts were sublime.After I had taken in my last bite of desset and last sip of coffee. Shawna took me on the tour of the house, as I previously mentioned. It is two stories of intimate rooms, each unique and of couse full of original art. She took me in the kitchen, where I got a chance to see where the creativity happens. Even greater, Row House has its own garden. They grow their ingredients right there. I think Shawna mentioned that they (the small Row House staff) do their own planting and tending of these garden areas. I had suspected that they bought from a local grower at least. The food was so noticeably fresh, I couldn't imagine otherwise. At this point I must mention the attentiveness of Shawna, my server, and of all of the other staff. They all conversed with me, and checked to make sure I was thoroughly pleased and taken care of. The chef who prepared my food, Michael Colpitts, actually served me a few of the courses and also checked on me several times throughout my stay. They are a wonderful team, working hard to see that every guest has a personal experience and the very best food possible. I was truly treated like family. I know this is a terribly long post, and I am sorry I didn't bring my camera so I could show you how beautiful each of the dishes was. But, please, please, please, go and experience this for yourself. You will be thanking me, and them for giving you the most wonderful dining experience you probably will ever have. Here is the lovely menu from last night in their words, "Last of summer tastes meet the falling leaves time of year. The salad was inspired by a coleslaw I had recently that rocked my boat. It was tangy, creamy, fresh and delicious. The Tomato soup deserved a spot on the menu this time of year. It was the house soup at Cibo, my restaurant in Nashville. The vegetarian should prove exciting and beautiful, and both entrees are taking Cabernet sauces in different ways. The Halibut gets a Butter, Cabernet, and cream sauce, and the beef is drizzled with vinaigrette made from a Cabernet Reduction and Balsamic Vinegar. Desserts are a bit off our usual track. Figs and Cornmeal cake. Dried Cherry Biscotti dipped in Chocolate, and Butterscotch Crème Brule, topped with candied almonds. " Greg Fox was not there last night, so I didn't get to hear the wonderful live music, but I will the next time I go. You can hear Greg Fox's music on You Tube. Here's the link. The photos in this post belong to Greg Fox, Justin Marable, and The Row House, Topeka, KS

45 New Kaleidoscopes!

2008-10-09T22:08:00.002-05:00

I can't help it. I just love this digital tool. I have plans for a productive use of the images. But for now, it's all in good fun! You can view the whole collection from the Gallery page on my website.

Shockingly Vintage!

2008-10-09T18:47:00.004-05:00

So today I was driving along on my lunch hour and drove by this garage sale. Unsure that I had really seen what I saw, I knew this was going to be photo worthy. So, I went home and grabbed my camera and drove back over to the garage sale. And behold! The largest, most velvety, brightly colored, wreck causing vintage lamps I have ever seen. The even better part was that there were two of each and they were being sold as pairs. I know that they are hideous and all, but the retro-modern vintage furniture lover in me almost considered (is still considering) buying the chartreuse goldish green ones. You see, they have an extra feature that the red ones don't have, an internal glow! There is actually a light beam inside the green glass base as well. Incredible! As an extra bonus, I ran into a friend of mine who I worked with over a decade ago. Can that really be possible? He was the seller of these lamps which he says were given to him as a gift. (giggle, heeheehee!)

Daddy Cakes Birthday Surprise

2008-10-09T18:31:00.003-05:00

Allison and the girls at Daddy Cakes made my birthday special by bringing me this sugary work of at the library where I work. The presentation was cute, the Daddy Cake absolutely adorable, and oh was it ever a piece of pumpkin heaven! It is their flavor of the month for October- Pumpkin Cheesecake. I think this must be my new favorite. I urge everyone to visit Daddy Cakes and try one of these. Thank you Allison for brightening my day.

I talk about my art jewelry

2008-10-01T06:11:00.003-05:00

Today's the day. The Library is the place. 10:00am-12:00 pm OR 1:00pm- 3:00 pm. I will be talking about art and craft, being in the trenches of my first year of business, what inspires my work, and what I have learned on the journey. Those who attend will receive a packet with a list of library books, websites and blogs, and information about art events around town. The presentation will be freeform, and people may ask questions as we go. We will have a great time. Come and join me! Jellyfish picture can be found on www.funny-potato.com