Catherine Chandler

Announcing....The Valentine's Day Sale!!!

2012-01-27T19:31:00.000-08:00

If you hadn't guessed, I love love. And I LOVE the story of St. Valentine and the significance of Valentine's Day. I'll share more on it soon, but I wanted to announce my Valentine's Day Sale! There are some new goodies in the shop just in time for that special loved one.

Do you like Valentine's Day? Why or Why not?

Some Beauteous Beauties

2012-01-19T16:37:00.000-08:00

These lovelies just infuse my heart with happiness.

Ruby & Sterling Silver

In the Etsy Shop this weekend!

Out of the Clouds...

2012-01-14T22:55:00.000-08:00

In my last post, I used the "D" word--depression. Although, for me, it is often related to the weather in these parts, the recent bout had more to do with the loss of a 15 year friendship. It's been excruciating. I've spent hours, days even, thinking about what I did wrong, who was to blame, what I could have done different...analyzing, dissecting, beating my head against a wall. When the other side is not communicating, there is only so much you can do.

And then....and then....I woke up a couple days ago, checked my email, felt instantly sad, and started the same process as I was driving my husband to work. On the way back, I thought (and excuse my language here), "Fuck this! I am so sick of feeling like this!" Then and there, I decided to allow myself to move on to the anger phase of this process.

Notice the key word there: allow. I had been holding myself back. Holding out hope. I realized that I had done what I could and gotten nothing back. There was no use beating myself up anymore, and I gave myself permission to let go. Knowing that I needed to get angry to move on, I took that next step, and now I am soaring out of the clouds.

My chest feels lighter, the days seem brighter (even when covered by clouds), and I am no longer prone to crying at misplaced jokes in grocery stores.

I listened to this song, a lot:

I listened to TED talks about dreams and forgiveness, as well. And I watched a couple goofy movies while working in the studio.

Best of all, today I realized that I don't want to approach this with anger. That's not really who I am. Sometimes I just need to be angry to move forward. I want to approach this with love. Love and understanding. So now, when I think of that friend, I send this energy thousands of miles:

I am your friend.

I am here for you, always.

I love you and I understand.

I forgive you, I forgive myself.

Forgiveness of self and others is key to moving forward, to keeping a clean soul, and living a happy life. I always include forgiveness of self because no matter how much someone else messed up, there is always an element of self-blame ('I should have known.' 'Why did I let them in?' 'What did I do wrong?').

How do you feel about forgiveness? What helps you 'come out of the clouds'?

Out in the Open

2012-01-12T16:48:00.000-08:00

When you see me, or meet me, or spend time with me, you'll be with someone who is happy, positive, and encouraging.

People have that effect on me, most of the time.

But there's another part of me that I don't show to many people. I mask it, I try to 'fix' it, escape it. It's the part of me that is depressed. Yep, I said it. The 'D' word.

I'm not talking clinical depression or anything like that. This is definitely seasonal, and I've been aware of it for years. When you choose to live in the Northwest, the clouds and darkness and rain are something you just have to deal with.

I love it here and fall in love with Portland every day. But the darkness definitely affects me. With seasonal depression, it can be a daily battle just to keep positive--mostly I do it by surrounding myself with positive people, listening to inspiring stories from TED, watching funny movies, going for walks, and not giving in to the melancholy of the clouds. I feel an instant hit of joy and productivity on sunny days.

I live for those sunny days.

I also live for my time in the studio. It saves me. It saves my heart.

Lately, on top of the SAD, I've been dealing with the demise of one of my most important, influential, and longest friendships. It's not my choice, and there is no communication from the other side, and frankly, it has destroyed me.

But today, after waking up with an aching heart (again), I decided to move on from months of waiting and holding out hope, and let myself feel the anger...after all, it is one of the steps of grieving, and very necessary.

I talk about forgiveness a lot. It's a vastly important part of my life, because I like to keep a clear soul, but I'm not there yet with this situation.

When I go through times in my life like this, I spend a lot of time thinking about the positive aspects of my life.

I am healthy.

I married a wonderful man last year! Good God, I love him more than I ever thought I could.

I have the two most wonderful, crazy, furry babies in the world.

My family is crazy and wonderful.

I get to create amazing, beautiful pieces of art on a regular basis. This infuses my soul with hope and joy.

I am part of a greater community, full of people trying to better the world.

When I look at all these things, and more, suddenly things seem pretty good. Pretty darn amazing, in fact.

What are you grateful for?

Adventures in the Temperate Rainforest

2012-01-12T11:16:00.000-08:00

One reason I love living in Portland is the veritable temperate rainforest that surrounds us. Did you know that this whole area was once a rainforest?! I grew up in Southwest Portland, right next to Tryon Creek State Park, where my father and siblings and I would go walking, often.

As we got older, it was mostly just me and my father, hiking or horseback riding. Hiking remains one of my absolute favorite ways to be outside and be active.

I am a natural explorer, constantly investigating the land around me.

This last weekend, Dave and I went to a little place across the river in Washington, called Lacamas Park. I thought it was just a small park from the description in our "Curious Gorge" book, but it was larger than I thought, with trails winding this way and that.

Most of the trails follow a small river, up past two waterfalls, around a lake, and back down through the forest. We hiked a good while, and I can't wait to hike more!

Where do you go exploring?

What do you find?

My favorite part about the hike was definitely the immense numbers of different types of lichen and mosses we saw--proof of pure air and happy organisms. Some of them were like little creatures, while others were almost like paintings on the trees. Unfortunately I couldn't capture the true, almost neon-green color of the one below.

I love getting down to the level of these mosses, seeing the world as if I was tiny. What a beautiful place!

New Work

2012-01-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

Cherry Creek Jasper Necklace in Sterling Silver

A Little Bird Told Me Ring

Sterling Silver and Ocean Jasper

Happy New Year!!

2012-01-01T15:08:00.000-08:00

I admit it. I'm not a huge partier on New Year's. It never feels so much like turning over a new leaf, but is simply a new day.

I've learned that I have more success with resolutions if I don't actually speak them out loud--perhaps it is the fear of disappointing others or myself, but making those grandiose statements out loud puts on a whole lot of pressure.

All I want for 2012 is to have more adventures, and so far, I am. It's about expanding my horizons, reaching up, reaching out.

Letting go of the old, and welcoming the new.

I've been walking more, taking charge of my health with a different eating style, and getting out into the outdoors. I grew up with the nickname 'dirt pig', because I love dirt. It's true. I would sit in it, throw it in the air, and giggle mercilessly as it rained down upon my head. I'm not quite so fond of rolling in it now, but I do love the smell, the feel of it, and being surrounded by the earth.

Whatever your passion is, I hope you find time and heart to pursue it this year. Follow your heart, always.

What a Holiday!

2011-12-26T12:21:00.000-08:00

The day after Christmas.

My brother is on his way to San Francisco, my Mom is travelling back home to the Gorge, and Dave is at work. The house is rather empty, and I am soaking up the quiet.

Christmas was wonderful. We keep it pretty low-key around here, concentrating on spending time together and cooking yummy food, as well as a few walks in the rain. We made two of the family's favorite, simple meals this weekend--Mexicali Gumbo, and a spicy seafood pasta with heaps of salad.

One thing I love about the holidays in the past few years is that each one is different. As much as I may love organization in most of my life, I love the unpredictability of the holidays. Will we be with Dave's family or mine? Who will be travelling? Hood River or Portland? Fancy or simple feast? It's never the same.

This year, on Christmas Eve, we went to see our friend Chris Margolin play an acoustic show at the Edgefield Winery, and last night after Christmas Dinner, we went to see "We Bought A Zoo". I can't remember the last time we went to the movies as a family!

I hope your holidays have been full of fun and new experiences!

And now, off to clean the studio and be productive!

Photos by David Woody

Rest and Relaxation

2011-12-19T18:21:00.000-08:00

Oh, it has been a wonderful day.

And the weekend! I spent the whole weekend with my husband and friends. Now, my idea of relaxation is not necessarily laying around reading (although that is part of it...), it's more that I can do what I want, when I want, at the pace I want to. And it has been wonderful!

Our cute little tree is now lit up and dressed.

Decorations and stockings are hung.

The menu for the holidays is coming together.

My brother and mom will be here in a few short days!

I've gotten to see three wonderful friends, and will be seeing more tonight.

I've also been able to venture into the studio a little bit. Not much..just a bit, but that's enough for me. There will be more studio time to come, and I will revel in its glory!

Even the cats are excited! Sammy was so excited that I was home today that he just kept climbing up onto my lap, purring and loving on me incessantly. It was both cute and annoying. I loved every second.

I hope you are having a lovely holiday season, as well!

It Comes In Waves

2011-12-15T15:55:00.000-08:00

I am officially in the home stretch.

My last class is in about an hour, and then I have four beautiful weeks off.

Of course, I'll be working and filling my time planning my workshop for the spring, but I will also be able to see friends and family, and relax. Maybe even read a non-assigned book! The joy!

For now, here's a few shots of my book project. It's gorgeous and long and I can't wait to take proper photos of it.

Holiday Sale at OCAC This Weekend!!!

2011-11-23T14:58:00.001-08:00

For those of you in the Portland, Oregon area, my jewelry will be at the Oregon College of Art and Craft Holiday Sale this weekend!

There will also be LOTS of my Lemongrass Candles for sale, as well! The sale starts on the evening of Friday, November 25, and runs through Sunday, November 27, 2011.

Please stop by and have a look! The proceeds from sales go back to the artists and to scholarships for students at OCAC, so not only are you supporting artists, you're supporting students who are attending or want to attend the Oregon College of Art and Craft!

For more information click HERE!

Learning to Draw Again...

2011-11-19T12:24:00.001-08:00

Self Portrait in Charcoal & Chalk, progression from left to right.

As some of you know, I am currently attending the Oregon College of Art and Craft as a BFA student. Due to the nature of my Bachelor's degree from Australia, I am not qualified 'as is' to enter into a Master's program in the U.S., so I had to transfer my degree to OCAC and finish a degree here in order to move forward to a Master's.

Still with me?

I know, it's complicated.

Anyway, part of my curriculum is Drawing Foundations (wha?! Yeah...think of my school in Australia as more of a trade school, I guess..).

When I first entered the class in September, I thought "oh man, I am not going to like this. I'm not good at drawing." But, I consciously decided to be open to the process, and luckily, my teacher works in almost a mathematical way, which works perfectly with my learning process. Yay!

And, as evidenced above, I'm not nearly as bad at drawing as I thought I was.

Realizing this is very exciting for me, and gives me a renewed sense of confidence. I'm definitely looking forward to next semester when we'll be able to get more creative--and since I am not a drawing artist by nature, that will be an interesting challenge (and I do love a challenge).

My constant advice to people struggling with learning to draw, or learning a new process, is to forget what you think you know and be open. It makes a world of difference.

And the winners are....

2011-11-08T17:40:00.000-08:00

First off, I want to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who visited my blog, Facebook, Twitter, Etsy Shop, etc., this past week, and definitely to those who made purchases. THANK YOU!!! You make creating fun. I love what I do, I LOVE what I create, and I definitely love sending those creations to new homes.

The Early Bird Sale is over, and last night, my lovely husband Dave helped me pick the winners out of a hat! Here they are!

Jamieson, you won a pair of my The Dalles Mountain Buttercup Earrings!

And Katrina, Heather, and Sewitbe, you all won Lemongrass Candles!

So ladies, please email your addresses to me at chandler (dot) catherine (at) gmail (dot) com!

Cheers, and thank you for playing!!

Finding Inspiration...

2011-11-04T12:25:00.000-07:00

I am finding inspiration...and in the strangest place...

Rain!

I love rain.

But living in Portland, I know that in April, after months of incessant rain (last year we had 50+ straight days of rain!), I will hate it.

But for now, in the gorgeous cool of fall, I love it. It is inspiring me.

What inspires you right now?

Collaboration and the Fantasy Coffin Maker

2011-11-03T14:16:00.000-07:00

(Artist talk by Eric Adjetey Anang, Michael DeForest introducing him)

We have a visiting artist here at the Oregon College of Art and Craft this week, and it has been incredible to watch him work.

(Students working with Eric Adjetey Anang)

(Michael DeForest sanding the fish coffin)

His name is Eric Adjetey Anang, and he is a Fantasy Coffin maker from Ghana. He did a presentation on his work and history on Monday, which was absolutely fascinating. One of the Wood faculty, Michael DeForest, actually did a residency with him in Ghana at one point, and for the rest of the week they have been working together to make a smaller scale model of a Fish Coffin.

(Eric Adjetey Anang carving details in the fish)

I cannot wait to see how it turns out! It has been fascinating watching the process of how Eric builds these forms from planks of wood, and they become this gorgeous, painted sculpture.
I love that he has been collaborating with the faculty and students on this project. Right now the tent is all enclosed, but hopefully there will be a more finished product on display soon!

Renewed Fascinations

2011-10-29T20:43:00.000-07:00

Today, my husband and I met up with family to have lunch at McMenamin's Edgefield, where I got the yummy Terminator Stout + Chocolate Milkshake above, followed by a little stroll through some antique stores in Troutdale, Oregon. I found a great shop that had some Native American artifacts, which I adore.

I'm finding myself wanting to explore more Native American history. As a child, I was always completely fascinated with Native Americans, constantly reading stories, drawing pictures and making little 3D models of huts, and even clothes out of bark for my troll dolls :) I have always felt such a connection to the land, nature, and animals, and I found something I could relate to in so many of their belief systems with that.

Through my childhood, I now remember that I was always surrounded by Native American artifacts. At my mom's house, there were arrowheads, and a sling for a baby, and at one point I think even a headdress. Her home was also situated near a Native American graveyard, and there was a longhouse down the hill. At the family cabin in California, there were woven baskets. I don't have anything like that now, but would like to.

What's interesting is that I feel like I've rediscovered this passion, or curiosity, after so many years of being focused on other places...I finally feel like my interests, and my heart, are coming back home.

Already, this has filtered into my work, with my jewelry reflecting endangered plant species from the Northwest, but I wonder how the Native American aspect will affect me and my work.

I guess we'll just have to wait and see...

The Early Bird Sale And A Giveaway!!!

2011-10-27T15:25:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year, when the leaves start turning, temperatures are dropping, and our thoughts turn to the upcoming holidays (or for some of you down under, leaves are growing and temperatures are rising...lucky ducks!)....

And it is the perfect time of year for my

EARLY BIRD SALE!

Friday, October 28th at 12:01 am

Monday, November 7 at 11:59 pm

EVERYTHING in my Etsy shop will be 20% OFF!

Because after all, the Early Bird gets the worm...and in this case that worms are shiny and made of metal :D

You may have also read above that there is going to be a GIVEAWAY.

We all love those, don't we?

I will be giving away a pair of my gorgeous The Dalles Mountain Buttercup Earrings to one lucky winner and one Lemongrass Jar Candle each to three lucky winners!

Here is how to enter the giveaway:

1. Post about the sale & giveaway on Facebook (and leave a comment): one entry.

2. Tweet about the sale & giveaway on Twitter (and leave a comment): one entry. (My twitter name is cechandler).

3. Post about the sale & giveaway on your blog (and leave a comment): one entry.

4. Leave a comment here about your favorite thing about Autumn: one entry.

So there you have it! 4 ways to win some fabulous goods, and a great sale as well! I'm looking forward to reading your stories and comments. I will be announcing the winner of the Giveaway on Tuesday, November 8.

p.s. Aren't those Kookaburras so cute?! The image is from the Powerhouse Museum Collection in Sydney, Australia.

You're invited...

2011-10-25T15:43:00.000-07:00

Fall is upon us, and with it come thoughts of the holidays and....gifts! Gifts for yourself, gifts for your loved ones...gifts for your coworkers, even!

So.

Starting this Friday, I will be hosting an EARLY BIRD SALE in my Etsy Shop!

The SALE will run for 10 DAYS. TEN. DAYS.

And, there may even be a giveaway....I'll let you know....

The details:

What: EARLY BIRD SALE!!! All items in the shop will be 10-30% OFF.

Where: http://www.catherinechandler.etsy.com/

When: Friday, October 28 to Monday, November 7

I'll be posting an announcement again on Friday, October 28! See you then!

Because remember...the early bird gets the worm.

For the Love of Tradition...

2011-10-23T18:00:00.000-07:00

Every year for the past four years, Dave and I have made a trip to the Pumpkin Patch at Sauvie Island, near Portland, Oregon. I know I went there as a kid, but I don't know if it was an annual thing, and now it's one of the traditions we've built that I love the most. Yesterday was no exception...

The day started out bright and blue, with a beautiful cup of coffee and plans to visit the Pumpkin Patch with friends...

....we drove along the freeway, up and over the Fremont Bridge...it's one of my favorite bridges. I love all the shapes and the high, high arch...

....then we passed through the industrial district of NW Portland. What beautiful lines those power lines create!...

....onto Highway 30, past the St. John's Bridge...

...and onto the Sauvie Island Bridge. Look at those X's, and the gorgeous rust color!...

....the X's on the Sauvie Island Bridge remind me of chromosomes...

....we arrived at Columbia Farms, which has a wonderful selection of pick-your-own flowers, berries, and a great selection of crazy pumpkins....

....after we all picked out pumpkins, noshed on apples and honey sticks, we decided to head to St. John's for Thai food, so across the St. John's bridge we went...

....to a little place called Thai Cottage where we enjoyed Thai iced tea and various yummy soups, curries, and noodle dishes...

...and where Dave made me take out of focus pictures of our friends.

I hope you had a wonderful weekend, too! Do you visit a pumpkin patch each year?

I Made You Some Candles...

2011-10-19T09:28:00.000-07:00

We made these gorgeous Lemongrass Candles for our wedding, with the help of a few friends, and I am now listing the rest in my Etsy Shop! They give off a lovely light, burn nicely, and the scent is lovely. Plus, they double as insect repellent (perfect for camping or outdoors)!

New Materials, New Adventures...

2011-10-16T11:49:00.000-07:00

Constructing the walls of the box

Last week, as some of you may have seen, I created a handmade box for my Book and Box Structures class at OCAC. This week we will be moving on to book binding practices, but I have to say, I absolutely LOVE making boxes. The techniques tie in beautifully with my love of fabrication, and I find the process very rewarding. It is much quicker than creating boxes out of metal, and I get to use beautiful book cloth and papers of various textures and colors. I have always been fascinated by beautiful fabric and papers...the colors, textures, and patterns make my heart flutter, so getting to use them is very exciting!

A roller-printed feather serves as the lid for a copper box that will fit into the larger handmade box

This last week, we learned how to make paste papers for covering books, which was really fun. There were some really interesting Indian fabric stamps made from wood that were great for creating patterns on the paper. I hope they turn out nicely!

Amber, in movement

In other adventures, the kitties have been struggling with all the changes going on around here, what with the wedding (and all the supplies for it being around), people coming and going, multiple house guests, and then both Dave and my schedules changing so drastically that neither of us are home during the day. Sammy and Amber have been showing their dislike the only way they know how...by peeing on things they're not supposed to. So, after a nice visit to the vet to make sure there was nothing medically wrong, we learn it is all behavioral and are now making changes to try and appease the babies and reduce the bad behavior. Wish us luck!

Sammy playing with his new toy, attached to our front door

I am consistently telling parents about their kids, "This is a phase," which most behaviors in children are. So now, I hope that with our cats, this is a phase.

Boxes, Cats, and Less Sleep...

2011-10-11T16:03:00.000-07:00

What a week it has been! My days have been FULL!

Full of wonder and beauty, mixed with varying levels of sleep deprivation and creativity.

This last weekend, I spent a good amount of time (17+ hours) finishing a box for my mid-term project in my Book and Box Structures class. It's a fairly simple box, but has significant meaning and lots of little surprises. I can't wait to have Dave photograph it and show it in all it's beauty to you! The outside cover is a gorgeous cream with tan striations, and the inside is a bright magenta! I love it.

It felt SO good to spend the weekend in the studio, even if I wasn't working solely with metal. There is a copper box to go in said artist's box, so I was able to make a little something (actually a really big something, the size of a crow's feather). Now I just have to clean up all the solder and patina it!

Amidst all this wonderful creativity, there were some lovely breaks:

Breakfast with the hubby

Cooking sweet potato, sausage and wild rice soup (which was gone in two days!)

and

Lots of cuddles with the kitties (we have to keep them happy somehow!)

This weekend my mom is visiting, and I haven't seen her since the wedding, so I'm excited. There will be some good food, funny movies, studying for the Art History test (eep!) and possibly, a trip to the pumpkin patch. We have been going to the Pumpkin Patch for the past 4 years...we always go to a small one down the street from the ridiculously large one...there's rarely a crowd, and I feel good about supporting the little guy. Plus! They have ghost and cinderella pumpkins!

What's your favorite pumpkin?

I hope you have a wonderful week!

Feather Hunting

2011-10-03T18:29:00.000-07:00

I took myself up Mt. Tabor today, on a rambling walk...

through the dog park (I wonder if people think I'm crazy, walking through a dog park with no dog)...

up trails, across roads, and around the reservoir,

all the time stopping here and there, searching.

I looked under trees, in grasses, along the paths.

I was hunting for feathers, and boy did I find them!

(I was also calling out, within myself, 'feathers, come to me!')

I found big feathers, little feathers, mommy feathers, baby feathers, tattered feathers, and pristine feathers, and even one dyed feather.

Now to prep them for their evolution...

Healing

2011-10-03T16:29:00.000-07:00

I have been sick for the last week.

I am trying to heal, but time doesn't wait for sickness. I was able to take one day off school last week in order to rest, and now I am healing. Unfortunately for me, at the end of my colds, things settle into my lungs and my throat gets dry, and I end up coughing a lot. In fact, I can't really speak right now, it throws me into coughing fits so quickly (and I am SO sick of cough drops).

So, I am being quiet. I am eating home made chicken pho, and being silent.

The clouds are covering Portland, and a subdued light casts over everything. It makes for a rather nice, quiet feeling amidst everything, reminding me of an Ani Difranco song that starts,

The sky is grey

The sand is grey

And the ocean is grey,

And I feel right at home,

In this stunning monochrome,

Alone in my way...

I learned of a friend losing her dog today, and it absolutely broke my heart. I lost my own dog, Buddy, a few years ago to ridiculous, frustrating, stupid circumstances that were totally out of my control. Being as empathetic as I am, I feel for her and her little family and their loss.

(I don't mind being empathetic. It's part of me.)

In a bit, I will go feather hunting around the neighborhood....wandering seems the only logical, meditative act to work through those feelings.

I hope you having a beautiful, calm week...

Raindrop Necklace

2011-09-23T09:10:00.000-07:00

Growing up in the soggy, green Northwest, you learn to yearn for two things....sunshine, of course, but also the rain. After weeks of dry weather, which I don't mind in the least, and an explosion of wildfires, I have spent the last month wishing and hoping for rain. Just a little. Just to bring down the smoke, dampen the ground, and put out some fires.

I am a water girl. I have a connection to water, and while I may loathe the gray skies of winter and spring, I welcome their raindrops. They water the plants, the trees, our earth and skin. Rain builds up the rivers nearby, that center me in their vastness.

I would wither in a desert.

I lovingly made each link of this necklace, connected and shaped them, while wishing for rain.

The Raindrop Necklace is available in my Etsy Shop.

Sterling Silver

24"

Back to School...

2011-09-17T13:46:00.000-07:00

This coming week, I'll be entering my 4th week of school at the Oregon College of Art and Craft in Portland, Oregon. I've been here before, but this time it's different. I find that people are nicer, more open to making friends, less clique-y. It's most likely because the last time I started this process, I came into it mid-year, but regardless, it is a relief. Every time I come to OCAC, I am reminded why I love this place so much. There are only about 200 students here, and it's a pretty tight-knit community. In addition to that, the staff and teachers are phenomenal. There is so much passion in these people, it's palpable. And that is exactly what you want to be surrounded by when you're spending thousands of dollars to get a stellar education. Granted, this is my second time around, but I know that I will walk out of here far more knowledgeable than when I graduated from my Australian Alma Mater.

It has been quite an adjustment, as far as time management is concerned. I envy those students who don't have jobs, who can just study, and do homework day in and day out. And heck, even have a social life! I am definitely juggling, but luckily I am a 'busy bee', as Dave lovingly says, so I can handle it.

Here is what I am learning so far:

I am much better at drawing than I thought. Much better than 10 years ago!

I knew this already, but I LOVE history. I find it absolutely fascinating. My life is steeped in family history. I am constantly thinking about history, and how it has affected how and where we are now. I am two history classes right now and love the heck out of them.

Making boxes is so fun! Working with board and book cloth is a lot more fragile than metal, but it is so much faster and very fun.

And of course...I am constantly reminded of how much I love working with metal and creating jewelry. It is part of my soul, my heart.

What are you learning right now?

Dreaming of Raindrops...

2011-09-12T04:00:00.000-07:00

Just as things began heating up in the Pacific Northwest, the fires came.

Not just one or two, but many.

The smoke surrounds our fair city, blanketing the sky in gold, orange, and purples each night at sunset.

Knowing that these fires are raging to the South and East of us (and a few in Washington, too!), I cannot help thinking of all those brave men and women firefighters, and my heart prays for rain. Raindrops are thus, finding their way into my work, drenching it in blue hues, and lending shapely drops to my designs.

Is it raining where you are? Or are your sunsets infused with oranges and purples as well?

These beauties can be found in my Etsy Shop!

10 Years Ago...

2011-09-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

Ten years ago, I was about to go to bed in Sydney, Australia when my (then) boyfriend's phone beeped. The message said "Turn on the TV, watch WWIII". We thought it was quite a strange message, and it was quite late already, but we went and turned on the TV anyway.

We sat entranced as we saw the first tower burning, and shocked as we saw the plane hit the second tower, LIVE. There are no words to describe the horror of those moments and the hours, days, months to follow. I was 19, living alone in a foreign country, and had already felt the backlash of simply being American.

I stayed up that night until about 4 am., only going to bed because I had school the next day. My day was a haze...and at every opportunity, I scooted over to the student lounge to watch the news, in shock. When I got home, it had been raining. Storm clouds loomed over, and I thought it poetic for the circumstances. As I walked down my street, I looked out over the cliffs and saw a striking rainbow out over the ocean, breaking through the dark clouds. I rushed as quickly as possible into my flat, grabbed my camera, ran to the cliffs, and captured the image above. A ray of hope, streaming out of death and destruction.

Our world is an extremely different place, 10 years later. I think of those who gave their lives searching for the less fortunate, and send them my thanks. I think of the children who will only know the ghosts of their parents, and send them hope. I think of the people on those planes...all of them...and send them peace.

May they all rest in peace.

On days like this...

2011-09-10T11:26:00.000-07:00

I have a favorite tea that I like to make on my weekend mornings, when things are a bit more relaxed and I have time to enjoy it. What is it? A Matcha Green Tea Latte. I discovered it while house/dog sitting over the summer and absolutely fell in love. Matcha is a powdered form of green tea, so you only need a little bit of it. It gives me a bright kick to start my day :)

Matcha Green Tea Latte

1/2 - 1 tsp Matcha Green Tea (I get mine from Townshend's)
sweetener of your choice (I prefer honey or sugar in this tea)
hot water
milk (cold, or warm if you prefer)
ice (optional)

Place green tea in a cup. Heat water, and pour just a teensy bit into the cup. Stir it in with the green tea to create a paste or slurry. Add your sweetener, and a little more hot water. Then stir in your milk. Taste, and add more sweetener if you like. There you have it! If the green tea isn't strong enough, you can make a slurry again in a separate little bowl, and add it into the tea (like I just did!)

Enjoy!

Things are afoot in the studio....

2011-08-23T21:48:00.000-07:00

I was finally able to get a couple days in the studio this weekend....

Things are happening, here and there....

Can't wait to show you more, soon!

As always, follow your heart...

Treasures from the Oregon Coast....

2011-08-22T13:54:00.000-07:00

After our wedding, Dave and I went camping with some friends from Australia. I picked up many little treasures along the way. The trip lasted a few days, and was chock full of laughter and happy moments. I absolutely love the Oregon Coast, and was thrilled to be able to share it with people who mean so much to me.

A week after our return, I headed back to the coast (further north, this time) to do some nanny work. It was just what I needed, to relax and unwind. In the throes of life's hardest moments (in this case, de-compressing from the wedding and all planning leading up to it), I often long for the ocean.

It centers me, reminding me of the immense beauty and power surrounding us. Some people long for walks in the woods, or being surrounded by the desert...I need water in those moments.

A river will do, but the ocean is what centers me the most.

What centers you?

As always, follow your heart...

Restoration of the Heart

2011-08-15T21:20:00.000-07:00

I am at the coast again this week, but this time it's a mix of work and vacation. I am alone, and the space is welcome. Don't get me wrong--it was so hard to leave my wonderful husband behind, but I'm realizing I needed these few days to myself.

Tonight, after work, I took myself out for dinner....I rarely eat alone outside of my house.

Then, down to the beach I went, making only one stop along the way at a candy shop. And there, I sat, watching the sunset and eating dark chocolate seafoam, breathing in the salty sea air.

It was...restorative.

Sometimes, restoration comes not in yoga, or tea, or meditation.

Sometimes, a girl just needs the ocean and some chocolate.

2011-08-13T19:51:00.000-07:00

I am finally home from our Wedding and Camping extravaganza! Of course, I leave again for work tomorrow (today was a great day for relaxation).

The wedding was absolutely amazing. I felt a sense of almost surreality in the days leading up to it, what with all the pre-wedding events and lack of sleep. It was beautiful, and so worth the months of hard work. We are now a few thousand dollars poorer, but a few thousand memories richer....and which do you think matters more?

People keep asking if I feel different. Not necessarily, but....

There is more love.

More tenderness.

More joy.

Did I mention...more love?

May your life be as blessed and full of love and joy as ours is.....

xoxo

images by Tor Clausen

On Creativity, Sacred Materials, and the Dangers of Rumors

2011-07-13T11:34:00.000-07:00

Over the last few years, I have been privy to multiple online conversations about copying, copyright, patents, stealing, etc. Some of them are constructive, with discussions of what to do should x, y, or z happen, and others can be pretty unpleasant, accusing others of copying, or spreading rumors. To a newcomer in the world of Etsy and social media, it's easy to jump on the bashing bandwagon and go with it. However, here are a few things I have learned over the years:

1. We, as artists, do not have any claims or exclusive rights to materials or processes.

Can you imagine? No material or process is sacred! (Unless, of course, you have invented a new material/process and have it patented, etc.) As artists, we are EXPLORERS...it is how we explore our world and our creativity.

How else will we know what we like, don't like, or are good/bad at if we don't try everything?! I have tried almost every process I can think of from soldering, to hollow forming, to casting and enamel. Some of them I love, some of them I find frustrating to no end. And materials! Ha! If I had to stop doing piercing work because another artist was doing it, or stop using a Ocean Jasper because another artist used it, or placed a stone similarly to another artist, or used a similar shape as another artist (leaves, anyone?!), I'd be screwed....hell, we'd ALL be screwed! No one would create anything!

2. We, as artists, do have copyright over our work and should protect it.

If I see someone copying my work, even if it's unintentional, the FIRST thing I do is go directly to that other artist and.....talk to them. But even before you do that, make sure you know your copyright laws. If someone makes something similar to you, they can still get away with it if it has been changed by a certain percentage from your original design. I have had multiple people come up to me at shows or even when I'm wearing my own jewelry, and ask if I'm so-and-so, and I say "no, but I know who you're talking about. Her work is definitely similar, but this is mine."

3. If you don't want your work to look like another artist's work, change it. Rise above.

I have been told multiple times that certain aspects of my work look like so-and-so's work. Some of it I have left as-is, because I know that I came up with that design on my own way before I even knew about the other artist, and some of it I've changed. Some of my work uses similar processes, but the actual shape or design is mine. And always, always have drawings. And if another artist is copying you, the best thing you can do (aside from confronting them) is to rise above. Evolve. I have only seen success come from those actions.

4. Talk to each other! We are all real people.

One of the worst things about selling online is the constant scrutiny from other artists. And the barrage of images of other peoples' work! I love seeing what other people are making but sometimes I feel like my creativity becomes muddled with other influences, and that I have to take a break in order to re-group and get back to my roots. Like I said above...if you have an issue with another artist, talk to them. DO NOT SPREAD RUMORS. First of all, let's all remember the Golden Rule:

Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You

-or-

Treat Others as You Want To Be Treated

And legally, not only is it a nasty, ugly and disrespectful habit to be a gossip and spread rumors, it can land you in a shit load of trouble. Ever heard of slander? If those rumors you are spreading can cause someone to lose business, you will be held liable.

There is a strange disconnect that happens when you communicate with people online for the most part. People tend to say things that they would never say to you in person, which can be a good thing if what they want to say is positive, but it can also lead to breeding a lot of unnecessary negativity.

We as artists need to stick together. We need to help each other, build positive connections, and share the lessons we have learned.

I definitely welcome any *CONSTRUCTIVE* discussion on this topic!

Catching up!

2011-07-11T21:40:00.000-07:00

1. Ring A Week No. 18, 2. Ring A Week No. 19, 3. Ring A Week No. 20, 4. Ring A Week No. 21, 5. Ring A Week No. 22, 6. Ring A Week No. 23, 7. Ring A Week No. 24, 8. Ring A Week No. 25

Living between two houses is no easy task, my friends. I am constantly carting stuff back and forth...food, crafting supplies (for the wedding!), my laptop and hard drive....it's exhausting but I have only 11 days left!

So, I am doing my best to catch up now...I am still working on my Ring A Week project, just not photographing or posting quite as often. Here are some of the recent rings....most are available in my Etsy Shop

(the non-plastic ones).

And you can always check them out on my Flickr page!

I hope your summer is going swimmingly, wherever you are!

Let's Talk About Weddings For a Minute....

2011-07-02T14:55:00.000-07:00

If you have been following me on Facebook or Twitter, I'm sure you've seen that there will soon be a wedding in my future.

My wedding!

We have about ~~6 weeks~~ 4 weeks to go, and as I was perusing a craft store (for TWO HOURS) last night, I realized a few things. We are on a very tight budget for our wedding...the kind of budget that goes like this: "okay, next week I'll be making some extra money so we'll be able to buy x, y, and z." Not much of that pre-planning stuff. Also the kind of budget that brings about "Wedding Craft Night" with myself and my bridesmaids so we can make all kinds of decorations together (and take some of the pressure off me...thank you, ladies!)

At first, it was incredibly stressful to be on such a tight budget. Oh how I would LOVE the freedom to just throw money around! But....but....it has allowed me to learn a lot. I am the type of gal who really likes to know what she's doing before she does it. I double and triple check directions before jumping into new tasks, or even things I haven't done in a while (like cuttlefish casting). I like to have things planned out ahead of time, so I'm not caught off guard. Weddings are not something you can plan while double and triple checking things, that's for sure!

In planning our DIY wedding, I have been faced, multiple times, with decisions in which I would umm and arr for a bit before just swallowing my fear and doing something. Because time doesn't wait, dears. It has been a fun and liberating experience, and I am so excited for the end result. We are totally behind schedule on a lot of things but it will all come together (or so I am told). The cake will be beautiful, the decorations fun and admired, the favors favored by all, and above and beyond everything, it will be a fun and joyous day!

Do you like planning ahead? Try doing something spontaneous! It's scary, but fun. Go out and do something. You might be surprised at the results :)

Seattle, SNAG, and The Sale!!!

2011-06-14T20:53:00.000-07:00

In May, I spent two weekends in Seattle. It made me fall in love with it. I had no choice...it was sunny the whole time! I know it was being deceptive, for all good Portlanders know that Seattle is a much rainier version of our Rose City. I fell in love with it anyway. Seattle is my kind of city (Portland, I still LOVE you)....it's more modern, more multicultural, and more progressive (in some ways) than Portland. And the views! Give me a great expanse of blue water any day!

But enough of my comparisons between cities...the last weekend we were in Seattle was to attend the SNAG Conference Gallery Crawl. I couldn't afford the conference outright (wedding totally trumps conference this year), but I really wanted to see new and old friends, as well as my pieces in the two shows they were in. The Thorn Brooches were at the G. Gibson Gallery in Counterflux: Defensive Ornament and I had some rings in the Ring A Day exhibition at Punch Gallery.

We arrived in Seattle and were able to get settled for about 5 minutes before heading out to meet up with some people from EtsyMetal for the Gallery Crawl. It was an amazing night. I had a blast! And there will be photos soon (as soon as my love, David, emails them to me). Honestly, we only made it to about two thirds of the galleries in two days, but it was amazing to see so much incredible, skillful work in such a short span of time. The whole experience was incredibly inspiring and uplifting, and I honestly feel like I've had to decompress and absorb everything since we got back.

And now, we are in June, desperately awaiting Summer. The Solstice is just one week away....which means, there is ONE WEEK left in my sale! Be sure to scoot on over to the Etsy Shop and use coupon code "SPRINGFLING2011" for 10% off of your whole purchase. Also, I will be phasing out some of the designs in my shop, so they will be marked down 30% for the next week as well! I hope you all are having a fabulous end of spring....

What has inspired you lately??

Turning 29 and Working Overtime....

2011-05-20T22:52:00.000-07:00

Spring in Portland is glorious. Truly, magically. After our long, dreary, rain filled winters (especially this one!), we are doused with yet more rain in the spring....but what helps us Oregonians to endure is the glory and splendor of those incredible blossoms. Shocks of pink, purple, white, and all colors of the rainbow, everywhere.

My personal favorite is the Pink Dogwoods. Aren't they incredible?? They make my heart swoon.

Yesterday, I turned 29. I thought of hosting some little giveaway here, or a sale, but not only did I not have the time, I decided I would much rather do something that involved simply giving. Giving of myself.

So, sometime in the next few weeks I am going to do something that will help others, and yet absolutely terrifies me. Donating blood. Why would donating blood terrify me? I hate needles. They just absolutely freak me out, and what's more, is that whenever I have had blood drawn, I can feel that needle inside my body.

However, I know how important blood donation is. My fiance is a twin who was born severely premature and needed blood transfusions. There are people in all sorts of situations, who have been injured or have physical diseases or disorders or who are giving birth and being born, every single day, who need blood. And on top of it, I will be conquering yet another of my worst fears. Hell, if I can sky dive, I can donate blood.

Have you ever donated blood?

In other news, part of the reason I haven't been 'around' is because I've been working my patoose off. Being a nanny is hard work....I'm just lucky I have 5+ years under my belt!

In addition to working, the fiance and I had a trip up to Seattle (for him to work) a couple weekends ago...he's going again this weekend and I get the casa to myself. And the studio! We will also be trekking up there next weekend for the Gallery Walk during the SNAG conference. I won't be going to the conference itself, but am excited to meet and see friends new and old.

I also put my jewelry in a sale at the Oregon College of Art and Craft. They host an annual Metals and Ceramics sale, where students and alumni can have their work for sale and part of the proceeds go to funds for those departments to bring in visiting artists or buy new equipment, etc. We raised a lot of money for the Metals department, which is very exciting. Last year's sale paid for Tim McCreight to come host a workshop and do an artist talk, which was incredible.

With any luck, work will settle into more of a routine soon, and I will be 'around' more often. I do so love sharing my experiences with you! Soon, I am sure there will be more wedding-related posts, as well. This whole wedding planning stuff sure is overwhelming (and exciting!)

I hope spring is as glorious for you as it has been for me! May sunshine make all your days bright, and lift your spirits higher than you can imagine!

Spring, My Birthday, and A Sale!

2011-05-09T18:00:00.000-07:00

Spring is officially here in Portland, which is resplendent with shocks of pink from blooming trees, amidst a growing sea of greenery. It is my favorite time of year, hands down.

In celebration of the onset of Spring, I am offering 10% off all items in my Etsy shop, now through June 21 (Summer Solstice). All you have to do is use the coupon code "SPRINGFLING2011" when you purchase anything from my shop on Etsy!

Also, I will be turning 29 in 10 short days! I'm hoping to do something for you lovelies for my birthday, but am not sure what. Stay tuned!

And may your part of the world be blessed with shocks of beautiful color everywhere!

Ring A Day Exhibition at Punch Gallery!

2011-05-03T12:00:00.000-07:00

In 2010, a large group of artists undertook the task of creating a Ring A Day for 365 days. Only a handful of people made it the whole year, but many of us made it for 100+ days.

The results of those efforts are now being shown in an exhibition, Ring A Day, at the Punch Gallery in Seattle, WA. I'm very excited to be participating in the show, and am looking forward to seeing everyone's rings during the SNAG gallery walk! For more information, visit the Punch Gallery website, or click on the image for a bigger view.

The Thorn Brooches, Exposed....

2011-05-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

My labor of love is now showing at the G. Gibson Gallery in Seattle, WA. I was so excited to get the opportunity to make these again! They came out far better than I imagined they would. You can find more images on my Flickr page. Thanks for looking!

Photography by David Woody

COUNTERFLUX: Defensive Ornament

2011-05-02T17:28:00.000-07:00

I am extremely proud to announce that the Thorn Brooches are showing in Seattle this month!

They are part of a group exhibition, COUNTERFLUX: Defensive Ornament, at the G. Gibson Gallery. Check out the flyer for more information, and definitely stop by if you're in the area!

The Latest Rings From Ring A Week!

2011-05-01T20:07:00.000-07:00

Oh, boy! I did not realize how behind I had gotten on posting the rings from Ring A Week 2011! Here they are:

Ring A Week No. 12
RAW2011 12/52

"The Bastard Ring, Revisited"

I could not let this rest. Failure doesn't sit well with me, and so, I brought out the Bastard Ring that would not solder. And, I soldered it. There was some sawing and filing involved, but eventually, I got the seam just right, and the solder flowed beautifully. Now, with a nice bit of polish, he is ready to go out into the world.

Sterling Silver
Size 8.75

Ring A Week No. 13
RAW2011 13/52

"A Study in Texture"
With this ring, I decided to try something different. Using a sheet of silver, I formed the ring and soldered it. I wanted to add some texture to it, so I brought out some of my silver shavings, and sprinkled them about on top, and then fused them with heat, which went well. Following that, I added a few little gold balls, but they melted into the silver, leaving a few pits (not so well). It may not be the most successful ring, but now I have a new way of bringing texture to future pieces.

Sterling Silver

Ring A Week No. 14
RAW2011 14/52
"Dreaming of Uluru"

Uluru is an amazing place, and yet I have never been. During all my time in Australia, I did not have the chance to go, and now it lays in my dreams. While it may be a tourist attraction, it is an incredibly sacred site to the Aboriginal people of the region. I know that when I *do* visit it, eventually, I will definitely not be one of those people who walks all over it. I want to appreciate it, listen to the stories, feel the energy surrounding the area, and give it, and the Aboriginal people of Australia, the respect they deserve.

This ring features a gorgeous Ocean Jasper, full of pinks, yellows, reds, and ochres. While the colors may not be exactly reminiscent of Uluru, the shape certainly is. I imagine there have been many trails in the land to, from, and around the great Rock.

"Dreaming of Uluru" is built of Sterling Silver, with a patina to contrast with the gorgeous colors of the stone, and to enhance the trails along the accenting Silver.

The stamp on the back lets you know it's handmade, with love, by me.

Sterling Silver
Ocean Jasper
Patina
Size 5.5

Ring A Week No. 15
RAW 15/52

"A Little Glimmer"

Sterling Silver
Opal

Ring A Week No. 16
RAW 16/52

"Failed Attempt"

Sterling Silver
Patina

Ring A Week No. 17
RAW 17/52

"Of Lily Pads and Tadpoles"

When I was little, we had this little pond hidden away in our back yard, surrounded by beautiful trees. Every spring, we would rush down there to go fishing for tadpoles, which is great fun to a child. We would catch them and keep one or two, watching them in a bucket of pond water, before returning them to their brothers and sisters.

When I saw this stone, I was instantly reminded of a ponds dark water, flecked with lily pads, and all the mysteries within those waters.

Sterling Silver
Lily Pad Jasper
Patina

Size 7 US

No rest for the weary....

2011-04-19T23:18:00.000-07:00

It has been a busy few weeks recently. What, with the scurrying to finish the Thorn Brooches, and the immense amount of work I have been doing otherwise. Let me tell you, it is hard to support a household on one income! Especially when it's an artist/nanny's income. Well, realistically, that income comes from 4 families that I work for, plus house/pet-sitting, and the jewels of course. Let's not forget the jewels! They keep me sane.

I'm not complaining, honest. I love my life. I get to spend my time with amazing people, kids, and animals, often times relaxing, playing games, or spending time outside. And the best part is...I get to help kids, and families, have a better life because they are well cared for.

Sunday was my day off last week. It was busier than many of my work days! Along with cooking and a trip to the laundromat, we went on an adventure and found these, just down the road:

Wild roaming buffalo....

A proud horse, despite missing a leg...

And a young colt, about to bolt...

It was glorious.

There were flowers, and ladybugs galore....

I also cooked a bit. I'm going wheat-free, because my stomach has been protesting so much. Full of quiche, chicken enchiladas, stir fry with quinoa, and turkey burgers, I'm doing pretty well so far.

I love my body. I talk to her all the time, especially when she's upset. Those conversations usually go, "come on, you can do this...you can get through this", as I gulp down water and nutrients to help her. After the successful weaning of wheat will come the battle against coffee, which she has been protesting lately, too. Instead of grieving the loss of things I cannot have, I'm looking forward to the adventures of what I can eat, and new things to cook with.
I guess it helps that I'm not altogether inexperienced at this. I've experimented with being vegetarian, vegan, and raw-foodist (which I miss, oddly enough). During those times, I did a lot of research on nutrients in fruits, vegetables, and grains. I love having that knowledge within me.

If any of you have gluten-free recipes, don't hesitate to share!

I hope your weekend went well, and that this week is finding you happy and healthy.

Love and Light

Catherine

Thorn Brooches, Part 2

2011-04-10T15:51:00.001-07:00

Thorn Brooch Process

2011-04-09T22:30:00.000-07:00

Drawings for the drilling on the backs of the Thorn Brooches

Always test your ideas in Copper before moving on to Sterling! Especially with Silver being so expensive.

Amber acted as Studio Helper today, keeping an eye out for visitors and being cute and chatty.

The drawing for the smallest brooch has been glued onto Sterling Silver, which has then been taped onto plywood for drilling.

I have to say, things are coming along nicely for the brooches, which is very exciting. Hopefully there will be another video soon!

Sweet dreams! xoxo

Thorn Brooch Process

2011-04-05T19:16:00.000-07:00

I don't have a whole lot of time at hand to make a video right now, so I thought I would post images and give you all a run-down of my process with these things.

My die, prepared, with sides A and B.

After annealing the copper, I trace the thorn onto the metal (extra preparation so I don't press the same side!)

I trim the copper a bit, and then tape it to the die to keep it from shifting while getting it into the hydraulic press.

Two pressed halves! These were pressed to 4000 psi with 80 durometer urethane.

After sanding the bottom flat (as described in my Part 1 video) on sand paper taped to my bench, I flux the hollow forms and add solder to them for sweat soldering.

In order to keep the two halves from slipping while I'm soldering, I've made a set of "clips" to hold them together. This is another good reason to leave some flange on your hollow forms. The clips are made out of binding wire.

Hollow form halves fluxed, clipped, and ready to solder.

After soldering, allow your hollow form to cool all the way before putting it in the pickle, or you'll risk it warping if you quench it.

And now...off to the studio!

A Perfect Day....

2011-04-02T23:01:00.000-07:00

The day started out rough. I woke up and felt absolutely compressed. I cried, wrote a bit, cried some more, all while trying to go about my morning routine. And then....after much umming and arring and ups and downs (I do this every year, and am so lucky to have a partner who is patient with me)...we went for a wonderful hike in Tryon Creek State Park, one of my father's favorite places.

I grew up in this amazing place, just down the street. My father and I would ride our horses on the horse trails, or walk on the hiking trails. The smells of the moss and plants always brings me back to my childhood.

Afterward, we headed to Blue Moon in NW Portland for Whiskey Sours, and of course, I had to throw in a brownie. My dad and I shared the same fondness for chocolate, always sneaking bits and pieces here and there, when it was in the house.

And now, I'm working in the studio. All in all, a pretty perfect day.

I hope your day was perfect, too!

6 Years: A Letter to My Dad

2011-04-02T11:10:00.000-07:00

(Harry S. Chandler and "Shrimp" Ebright, 1970)

Pops,

Six years ago...it was a Saturday, as well...I was hiking Syncline in the Gorge, thinking of you.

There were California Poppies growing, little waterfalls trickling down, and wide vistas of the river, cliffs, and hills.

You would have loved it.

Six years...how can it be that long already? The last 5 years seem to have been sucked into a vacuum.

I think of you more this year.

I'm getting married, and it's a constant reminder of your absence.

But you'll be there, because a part of you is in all of us.

(Harry S. Chandler, Fallen Leaf Lake, CA)

Beth gave me your pin for my birthday last year. I had completely forgotten about it, and had to choke back tears, it brought up so much emotion.

And this morning when I woke up, out of the blue I remembered the mug you had with seagulls on it. It was your Earl Grey Tea mug, in my memory.

My best friend's mother in law, Barb, realized who you were and told me stories of being on the board of Tryon Creek Park together.

Each of these memories is a gift, whether tangible or not.

I'm so grateful to have had you as my father.

In all my actions I remember those inherent lessons we learned.

Honesty. Integrity. Patience.

My Cowboy-Lawyer Father, I miss you every day.

Let's set another dream date.

Sushi, my treat.

And perhaps...perhaps we will see you somewhere at Tryon Creek Park today.

All My Love.

The Latest Rings (From Ring A Week 2011)

2011-03-30T21:10:00.000-07:00

Ring A Week no. 8
RAW 8/52
"Windswept"

A windswept landscape, gorgeous in its clarity and hue...

At first I didn't see, and then I turned...

..and saw you.

Sterling Silver
Willow Creek Jasper

(This can be found in my Etsy Shop!)

Ring A Week No. 9

RAW 9/52

Sterling Silver

A simple twisted ring from material I made in order to make two beautiful bubble wands for our "Flower Girls".

Ring A Week No. 10

RAW 10/52

"An Extremely Early Birthday Ring"

Sterling Silver
Peridot

Ring A Week No. 11

RAW 11/52

"Tough On The Outside"

Sultry, covered in black
Sharp edges.
I see inside you...
I see the hurt, the tears
The angst.
I see you yearning for something more....

More vulnerable...more loving.
More like waves upon sand.
More ruffles than rocks.

Sterling Silver
Found Object

Thorn Brooches, Part 1

2011-03-28T16:28:00.000-07:00

What A Beautiful Morning!

2011-03-28T12:12:00.000-07:00

This is how I woke up this morning....after much walking around on me, purring and licking my face and hands, the kitties settled in, trapping me with their warm little bodies.

They were born from the same litter but could not be more different.

Sammy, the Siamese, is rambunctious, tearing around the house after toys or talking to himself (and his demons) in corners. He is really more of a dog-in-a-cat-suit, playing fetch for hours with his toys and demanding our attention.

Amber, the Tortoiseshell, is reserved, but loving. She has her moments of crazy energy, which usually result in her running as fast as she can back and forth along one side of the apartment, from window to window. She is the epitome of "cute", with little, gentle licks and an inquiring meow.

When people ask if we want kids, I tell them we already have two....and that they are furry with pointy ears and long tails.

I hope your Monday is starting off just as well, and is just as full of love!

6 Days Left....

2011-03-26T11:14:00.000-07:00

There are SIX days left for the Red Cross Sale! Remember, it's 10% off of everything in my Etsy Shop, PLUS $10 of each sale goes to the Red Cross to aid in the relief efforts over in Japan and the Pacific. To learn more about the relief efforts, please head over to redcross.org for more information.

You may think "well, if I wanted to donate $10 to the Red Cross, I would do just that. Why would I buy jewelry in order to do so?" Good question. And my answer is this: this is a great opportunity to get yourself or someone you love something special while on sale, and at the same time, be giving to a great cause. The relief efforts in Japan will take years, and right now, every little bit helps.

If you want more information on the disaster in Japan, there are many resources, but I would recommend news organizations like the BBC.

Thank you, always, for your support!

Did I Mention...?

2011-03-22T21:40:00.000-07:00

The Red Cross Sale has been extended to March 31!!!

Sometimes My Heart Cries Out....

2011-03-19T21:21:00.000-07:00

....it cries out for the open fields, the smell of grass

the fresh wind and clouds

the incredibly gorgeous sunsets that grace the land almost every night

the cold of the winter, biting and fierce,

and the heat of the summer, in all its dusty glory.

My heart reminds me of the land I grew up on

the glorious space

abundant vistas

My heart cries so loud that not even the splendor of cherry blossoms and sweet flowers can calm it.

Sometimes, it feels as if the city may suffocate me

as if I might crawl out of my own skin to get away.

What gets me through?

Hiking, and thank goodness Portland is full of green spaces.

Dogs, in all their goofiness and innocence.

Kids.

And of course, the metal.

Just Listed! Knob Brooch from the EMPRJC 7.7

2011-03-19T20:47:00.000-07:00

You may remember this brooch, given that I made it about a year ago! It was made for the Etsy Metal Project Runway Jewelry Challenge 7.7. The challenge was to create something with objects found at a hardware store. Here are the details:

This funky brooch was the creation inspired by one of EtsyMetal's Project Runway Jewelry Challenges. The challenge was to create something from pieces found at a hardware store. It features:

drawer pull
wire
washer
screw
nail
pin back *the only non-hardware piece

I went and visited Hippo Hardware, here in Portland, OR, and found some wonderful quirky finds.

I wasn't sure I would be able to create something solely from hardware store finds, but one thing I have learned about myself recently, is that I am a problem solver. And happily, I figured out a way to make it work! I'm very happy with this piece and fully intend on making more. Keep an eye out!

It is definitely a fun brooch to wear and have in a collection!

You can find this beauty in my Etsy Shop!

Please Help Japan.....

2011-03-17T20:12:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of helping those affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, a group of artists from Etsy Metal have committed to donating proceeds from their sales of jewelry. I am currently hosting a "Red Cross Sale" in which everything in my Etsy Shop is marked 10% off, and $10 of every sale goes to the Red Cross.

Details of the various sales are below!

Shannon Conrad(RubyGirl) is going to donate 20% of the sales of anything from her Kikyo Collection for the month of March.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/rubygirl/search?search_query=kikyo&search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_5127602&shopname=rubygirl

Mark Kaplan has three pairs of earrings and he is donating ALL the proceeds to either the american red cross or doctors without borders... buyers choose which...
http://www.etsy.com/shop/markaplan/search?search_query=Japanese+Disaster+Relief&search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_5206102&shopname=markaplan

Konstanze from Nodeform says "through March 31st, I am giving 10% off rings from The FLOW collection and will be donating 10% of the sales of those rings to "Architecture for Humanity" for reconstruction efforts in Japan. (http://architectureforhumanity.org/programs/2011-sendai-earthquake-and-tsunami)
See the collection here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/nodeform?section_id=6958235
Use coupon code FLOW10TSUNAMI to get your 10% off for all rings from the Flow collection only."

Kathryn Cole says "50% of the proceeds from the sale of my cherry blossom bangles and my cherry blossom rings will be donated to the The Red Cross for disaster relief in Japan through the month of March."
Here are the listings:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/kathryncole/search?search_query=japan+relief&search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_5303426&shopname=kathryncole
AND "also through March 31st, 25% of all other sales in my shop will be donated to The Red Cross disaster relief for Japan. "

Danielle Miller has "100% of ALL OF THE PROCEEDS from these earrings will be donated to the American Red Cross: Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami fund."
http://www.etsy.com/listing/70151752/japanese-disaster-relief-short-sound

Erga will be donating 50% of each sale of this specially made piece to a Japan relief fund for each necklace purchased:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/70230873/japan-relief-tsunamicherry-blossom

Chuck Domitrovich of DownToTheWireDesigns says "I am going to give ALL of the proceeds from these earrings to your choice of either Doctors Without Borders or the American Red Cross to help fund their efforts in assisting with the relief effort in Japan."
http://www.etsy.com/shop/DownToTheWireDesigns/search?search_query=japan&search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_5127904&shopname=DownToTheWireDesigns

This is a great opportunity to not only purchase gifts or jewelry for yourself, but to help those in dire need.

RED CROSS SALE FOR JAPAN

2011-03-13T18:22:00.000-07:00

I don't regularly watch the news, because I don't have a TV. However, through the wonder that is social media, I was alerted to the crisis in Japan as it was happening. The footage I have seen has been absolutely terrifying and humbling. I cannot even begin to imagine the immensity of the situation without actually being there, but I want to help. So, starting at midnight tonight, for seven days, I will be holding a RED CROSS SALE in my Etsy shop. Everything is 10% off, AND $10 of every sale will go to the Red Cross.

Please consider donating, as well as spreading the word.

Ring A Week No.s 5, 6, & 7!!

2011-02-28T21:20:00.000-08:00

Ring A Week no. 5

RAW 5/52

A Bit of Earth Ring in Turquoise and Black

With a few ruffles curves, this beauty is strong, yet dainty, like a country girl all dressed up to go out on the town.

She will come warm up your heart, when you are down, reminding you of the earth that your feet walk on, with all its rivers and streams flowing through.

Gentle, guiding, and always hopeful.

Sterling Silver
Turquoise
Patina

Ring A Week no. 6

RAW 6/52

Rugged Ring in Sterling Silver

A rugged ring, bent, hammered and forged. Hollow inside, it was created from Sterling Silver tubing which was heated and manipulated into its form. With a patina to give contrast to its features, this beauty is more smooth than rough. It is gentle, yet rugged at the same time.

Sterling Silver
Patina
Size 10 US

Ring A Week no. 7

RAW 7/52

The Bastard Ring

Forged from a chunk of Sterling Silver, I thought he would be beautiful; rough, yet lustrous. Heated and hammered, he formed beautifully. I was in love. We were a great pair. Until....

Until it came to the connection. He wouldn't do it. Couldn't. I don't know why...he wouldn't explain, and no matter how many times, I couldn't figure it out.

Then, I hated him. He became The Bastard Ring Who Would Not Solder.

Sterling Silver

How I Get My "Doggie Fix"....

2011-02-27T10:56:00.000-08:00

I grew up with dogs. Great big ones like Samoyeds and Doberman Pinschers, and later, Brittany Spaniels and my absolute favorite, German Wirehair Pointers. I haven't had a dog of my own in years--my schedule doesn't allow for it, and I wouldn't want to have one while living in an apartment. So instead, I get my fix through pet-sitting, and I LOVE IT.

This weekend I've been looking after some English Pointers who are both crazy and adorable...one is still very much a puppy, and the other is older. I love all their quirks--like how the younger girl wants to hold the leash in her mouth, and how the older girl just goes nuts every time we see another human being. Dogs, in my eyes, are like kids...they might be naughty once in a while, but it's almost like they can't help it. And then their innocence just melts my heart :)

It was freezing this weekend, so going for walks wasn't exactly what I looked forward to (especially at 7 am!), but it's part of having and taking care of the pups. And, once you're out the door, it's really not that bad. This morning, the cat even followed us on our walk! Too cute. He also makes an excellent cuddle buddy :)

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend!

Weddings On My Mind...

2011-02-23T10:51:00.000-08:00

Before I met my fiance, I truly had never imagined myself getting married. The idea of my future contained me, and possibly some other blurry figure, but mostly me. I can remember distinctly the first time Dave and I talked about weddings. It was just a few months into our relationship (we had a slow courtship), and he had recently moved rooms in his house. He was now set up in this big room with screaming green walls. I can't even remember what brought up the topic of weddings, but I remember asking him what he would want his wedding to be like, and he replied that it would be a huge wedding in a church (eek!).

For the past 5 years, we have shared our ideas about our ideal wedding...some of them have changed, some have stayed the same. For the past 5 years, I have planned, dreamed, imagined, constructed, and deconstructed our wedding day. I have researched all the different aspects, analyzing, doing cost-comparisons, trashing ideas. Why? Because I never thought it would happen and hell, it's fun to plan your dream wedding!

People keep telling me not to stress out, that everything will turn out great. Personally, I know from experience of setting up events that things don't turn out great without some work put into them. But, I appreciate the sentiments.

One of the most surprising and lovely things about the whole journey so far is the amount of love and support we have received. It's absolutely amazing. I cannot express how much my heart swells each time someone offers to help, or how excited I am that all these people we love are coming to celebrate our love and commitment together. At the same time, each time there is a disappointment, it hurts far more than it should. I know it's because of expectations and hopes, but it feels like being let down each time. I think I'm doing a good job of rolling with it when these things happen, and I know the big day will be a blast.

I mean, how could it not when we have a typewriter with cursive type-set?!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T14:35:00.000-08:00

I love you all...each and every one!

Some things I am grateful for today:

My two cats, Sammy (the Siamese) and Amber (the Tortoiseshell, aka my Halloween Cat), who bring love and laughter into my life every single day.

My future husband, David Woody, who loves every bit of me to, well...bits.

Family and friends who have supported me every step of the way.

I hope you all are having a Happy Valentine's Day! May your life be filled with sunshine and joy, always.

Ring A Week No. 4

2011-02-13T21:01:00.000-08:00

Ring A Week no. 4

RAW 4/52
Sterling Silver
Ocean Jasper

Airy, like sea foam that swirls around your feet...

Grounded, like the coral beneath....

She will guide you around obstacles and remind you of the light that the ocean reflects.

(No.'s 5 & 6 are on their way...)

Non-Metal/Jewelry Creativity

2011-02-07T12:51:00.000-08:00

This month, I am happily participating in EtsyMetal's Blog Carnival. What is a blog carnival, you ask? It is when a group of members from a group, like EtsyMetal, write on a certain topic.

February Topic: Non-Metal/Jewelry Creativity
Tell us about other kinds of art and craft you do. What other media do you work and play with? How often do you get to create? Does it relate to or inspire your metalworking?

Prior to working with metal and creating jewelry, I wanted to be a photographer. I had spent 4 years teaching myself photography with my manual Nikon, which I still love and adore. That camera has never let me down. It probably helped that I lived in an amazingly beautiful place that had phenomenal sunsets, broken down barns, and animals galore to photograph. Once I left college in Australia, my desire for photography kind of fizzled away. Once in a while, I get the bug, though...that nagging feeling of just wanting to leave for the day and wander around aimlessly capturing the world in frames.

Once in a while, I like to sew as well. About a year ago, I designed and sewed a sling for my friend's dog who was getting knee surgery. My friend needed to be able to have a sling to help hold up her dog's back end so that she could go potty and walk around. For me, that project was really fun because I got to design the sling from start to finish. This year, I sewed our tree skirt, which was fun. It didn't come out exactly perfect, but it was a quick and fun project. And for our wedding, I'll probably be sewing something like garlands or decorations!

Since I work with kids during the day, I also tend to do a lot of crafts. I get them to decorate for the holidays by drawing pictures, cutting them out, and putting them up in the windows. We build crazy houses out of toilet paper rolls, hot glue, and paper. Since metal is such a strong material, and you really have to work to manipulate it, I tend to find some incredible gratification during these craft projects...especially if they involve hot glue!

One thing I have discovered that I'm not good at is graphic design. I just cannot, for the life of me, create something I truly like. It drives me crazy, but until I have the money to hire a designer, I'm stuck with my remedial skills in that area.

All in all, metalsmithing is the thing that brings true joy into my life. I excel at it in many ways, and I always strive to learn more. I'm sure if I put the time and energy into other artistic pursuits, I'd be just as good, but they simply don't interest me as much.

Check out what other EtsyMetal members have to say about their creative pursuits!

1. kate jones - http://www.katejonesdesign.blogspot.com
2. kathryn cole - http://www.kathryncolejewelry.blogspot.com
3. 2Roses - http://www.JewelryTutorial.blogspot.com
4. Twigs and Heather - http://www.twigsandheather.blogspot.com
5. Erin Austin - http://www.metalmusing.blogspot.com
6. Thomasin Durgin - http://metalriot.blogspot.com
7. Nodeform - http://nodeform.blogspot.com
8. Beth Cyr - http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com
9. stacey hansen - http://wildflowerdesigns.blogspot.com
10. Nina Gibson - http://ninagibsondesigns.blogspot.com/
11. elizabeth scott - http://esdesignsjewelry.com/blog
12. Evelyn Markasky - http://markasky.blogspot.com
13. Amanda Conley - http://amandaconley.blogspot.com
14. Jenny Baughman - http://ridgeschool.blogspot.com/

Silence

2011-02-06T09:52:00.000-08:00

Ahhh....sweet, sweet silence at last...

Today, my lovely fiance is going to Hood River, so it will be me and the two cats for a whole

twenty-four hours.

Normally, I might be sad, but ahead of me I see...

music

studio time

lovely books and tv shows that only I like

walks in the forest nearby

relaxation.

The only thing that would make it better is if there were a cabin involved.

What will you be doing?

And The Winner Is.....

2011-02-02T10:22:00.000-08:00

The winner of the Valentine's Giveaway is.........Jill!!!

Thank you all so much for your support! I hope you all have a wonderful February, filled with love and hearts. Keep an eye out for more luscious goodies soon!

The Valentine's Sale & Giveaway Ends Soon!!!

2011-01-30T13:14:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is coming up quick, and through February 1, everything in my Etsy Shop is 20% OFF. That's until 12:00 Midnight, Tuesday night.

Also, you can enter my VALENTINE'S SALE & GIVEAWAY through my blog! Read the post, click and comment away! There are multiple ways to enter, and you can enter more than once!

Wishing you much love and happiness!!!

Ring A Week No. 3

2011-01-24T09:56:00.000-08:00

Spring is coming, a time for renewal...

....a Re(new)ed ring, built of a setting from the past....

...and beauty from the present.

Sterling Silver

Peridot

Patina

Size 6.5 US

In my Etsy Shop!

VALENTINE'S SALE AND GIVEAWAY!!!

2011-01-23T17:01:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is one of my favorite holidays of the year. Not for the commercialized aspect of it, but for the history. St. Valentine's Day honors a man who, in a time when men were required to go to war and forbidden from marrying, would marry lovers in secret. That is the version that I know, anyhow.

In honor of Valentine's Day, I am having a sale and giveaway!

THE SALE

From Monday, January 24, through Tuesday, February 1, 2011, you can find everything in my Etsy Shop at 20% OFF!! I will be adding a few new items during that time and they will also be on sale.

THE GIVEAWAY

There are multiple ways you can enter the giveaway, and the winner will be chosen at random. Here is what you will need to do:

1. Enter a comment telling me about your favorite piece of jewelry (one that you own or wish to own someday).

(1 entry)

2. Post a link to this giveaway on your blog, and leave a comment telling me you did so. Please provide the link to your blog!

(1 entry)

3. Tweet about this giveaway and leave a comment with your twitter name.

(1 entry)

4. Post about this giveaway on Facebook, and leave a comment!

(1 entry)

5. Purchase something from my Etsy Shop!

(1 entry)

6. "Like" my Facebook page, and leave a comment on here telling me so!

(1 Entry)

You have 6 possible ways to enter the Giveaway! Enter via one, two, or all of them! The winner will win a pair of my Blossom Earrings (pictured above). I will be announcing the winner on February 2, 2011!

Please be sure to add a separate comment for each entry!

Ring A Week No. 2

2011-01-17T16:42:00.000-08:00

She is roughly (ruffly) made, with a slight girlish figure. A bright blue flash that erupts from the darkness.

Substantial, yet petite, she'll stay with you always.

Protecting you, bringing joy and comfort.

Ring A Week 2/52

In the shop.

Ring A Week No. 1

2011-01-16T19:31:00.000-08:00

For 2011, I have joined a group called Ring A Week, and will be making.....you guessed it: one ring every week!

Above is my first ring, which I titled "A Catfish For Tom". Recently, one of my friends passed away after a tough battle with cancer. Right after he passed away, I had a dream about him. He and I were standing in a pool in a river, trying to catch fish, but we had no poles. So, Tom said we had to slap the water in a really fast rhythm with our hands to make the fish come up to the surface. We did so, and a bunch of black catfish started swimming to the surface. We stood there, slapping the water, and then grabbing the fish and throwing them onto the banks. In the end, we had stacks of black catfish! So this one goes to Tom...may his journeys be full of fish.

Each week, I will be posting these rings...some will be for sale in my Etsy shop, and others will remain in my private collection. Enjoy!

Ocean Treasures...

2011-01-04T10:30:00.000-08:00

I was once told by a professor not to make the stone the focal point of a piece of jewelry. Perhaps that works for small stones, that can be hidden in secret places only to be found by curiosity, but personally, I select stones that want to be seen. They want to stand out, and be worn with pride. They deserve to be seen, and fawned at in their beauty.

These stones, to me, hold mystery and stories.

What can you see within them?

Lichen Ring in Green and Gold

This features a gorgeous Ocean Jasper with a variety of colors. I love how the colors spread through the stone, accented by the spot of yellow among them.

Oceanic Earrings in Yellow and Grey

These stones are some of my favorites. I had the Ocean Jasper custom cut, and the feature orbs of white, grey, and yellow throughout.

You can find these, plus many other creations, in my Etsy Shop!

Resolutions!

2011-01-03T18:26:00.000-08:00

This month, I am happily participating in EtsyMetal's Blog Carnival. What is a blog carnival, you ask? It is when a group of members from a group, like EtsyMetal, write on a certain topic.

January's topic is "Resolutions: personal or business, share what you are planning for 2011!"

This comes at a pivotal point in my life. Many big things will be happening this year, which I'm very excited for. For one, I'll be getting married in August (yay!!), and shortly after, will be ending a 5 year journey as a nanny for a family that I love. In the midst of all this, I am changing the way I work into a more business-related model, so that I can push my jewelry making from "hobby" to "business". That means pushing the wholesale side of my jewelry-making a lot more, which I am excited to do. I know it will be difficult, on top of working 40 hours a week as a nanny and planning a wedding, but as long as I take baby steps, I believe it can be done (and honestly, baby steps may just be the best way for me to do it!).

In other aspects of my life, I have been working on things like relaxation and meditation, as I tend to worry and stress a lot. Working on my relationship with food and physical activity is an ongoing process, but I definitely want to push towards a much higher level of fitness (not necessarily thinness), as my fiance and I will be backpacking for our honeymoon.

Most of all, what I am planning for this year is to enjoy life, spend more time with friends and doing what I love, and having more adventures.

What does 2011 have in store for you??

If you would like to read what other EtsyMetal members have to say, please have a look!

Inbar Bareket http://www.inbarbareket.net/
Elizabeth Scott http://esdesignsjewelry.com/blog/
Nodeform http://nodeform.blogspot.com/
Hartley Studio http://annhartleystudio.blogspot.com/
Thomasin Durgin http://metalriot.blogspot.com
Jenny Baughman http://ridgeschool.blogspot.com/

Happy Holidays!!!

2010-12-25T18:52:00.000-08:00

I want to wish everyone out there Happy Holidays!!! May they be filled with love and beauty! See you in the New Year!

Holiday Sale!!! Nov 26-30, 2010!!!

2010-11-26T10:40:00.000-08:00

Surprise! I'm having a Holiday Sale in my Etsy Shop. Hop on over for 20% off the entire shop! This sale runs through til Tuesday Morning! Enjoy :)

Redirecting Creativity

2010-11-23T08:26:00.000-08:00

Although I have not been making new work (I still have a good amount of stock available), I have been using my creative energy in other ways. For one, wedding planning takes up quite a bit of time and energy. Between shopping for dresses, and gathering addresses for all the guests, creating spreadsheets, and designing invitations, there's a lot to be done.

Other than wedding planning and working, though, I've started volunteering. This past weekend, my fiance, Dave, and I, volunteered at Potluck in the Park (through Hands On Greater Portland). We served warm meals to around 450 people in need, most of them homeless. It is one of the only places, not associated with a church, for people in need to get meals on the weekend, and they have not missed one Sunday in 19 years. When I was 14, and hanging out downtown with a lot of homeless kids, I remember seeing the Potluck in the Park trucks at this location, and was so glad to see that they were still operating. Even more, I was so happy to be able to help.

After we finished for the day (we were some of the last people to leave), Dave and I looked at each other and agreed that even though times may be tough, at least we have each other, a roof over our heads and food to eat.

The best laid plans....

2010-11-18T10:53:00.000-08:00

I have been hesitating writing this post for weeks. Perhaps I have been in denial, hoping the situation would change somehow. Here goes...

A few weeks ago, after many long months of being mistreated, taken advantage of, and basically being paid slave-wages, my fiance Dave quit his job. I had watched my lovely partner go from an energetic, happy man, to a despondent shell of his former self. With the bad economy, he stuck out this job simply out of fear of not finding more work. Honestly, it was like coming home to an abused house wife every day. I finally told him "Honey, follow your heart. If you need to quit, then quit." So he did. Luckily, the financial adjustment hasn't been so bad. (And on the up-side, he just got a new job..starts in a couple weeks!)

However, this meant that I needed to take on more work as a nanny. Did I mention we're getting married next August? So, on top of all our normal bills, we are paying for our own wedding. I am now working around 50 hours a week as a nanny, and when I get home each night, I just don't have the energy to go into the studio. Any parent can relate to the insane amount of energy it takes to be at home all day with kids, followed by having to cook and clean and maintain a house.

I am taking on a few projects (and looking forward to a rather empty weekend coming up), as commissions, but I'm not "producing" work. I have all these beautiful stones and bezels sitting, waiting to be set and made into beauties, and I just don't have the energy. It is honestly breaking my heart.

As much as I may look at other careers as paths for myself...nursing, occupational therapy, etc.,...I am a maker at heart. I have had to go many months without making jewelry before, and the emotional effects are bad. I have to do something creative, preferrably involving soldering, hammering, and sawing. I am now considering putting up some parameters at work (restrictions on evening shifts, etc.) so that I can save some energy and get back into the studio. Wish me luck, and hopefully you will see dribbles of new work soon!

We're Engaged!!!

2010-10-31T18:02:00.000-07:00

That's right! My honey, David, proposed to me a little over a week ago! And at 4:45 a.m., just to make sure it was a surprise :) We are both so excited. I have been flitting around getting the venue booked and setting up registries, etc., so jewelry-making has taken a bit of a back seat, but I'm hoping to get back into it this week. I have far too many gorgeous stones laying around to just ignore them :)

OCTOBER 15-22 : 20% off Storewide Sale!

2010-10-16T12:31:00.000-07:00

EtsyMetal, a fabulous Etsy Street Team that I belong to, is 4 years old this month! To celebrate, EtsyMetal is hosting giveaways each week, and a bunch of members are hosting sales in their shops each week! This week, I am holding a 20% off storewide sale in my Etsy Shop. Hop on over and check things out. I will be adding new items this weekend and throughout the week. Enjoy!

EtsyMetal Anniversary Sale!!!

2010-10-12T19:35:00.000-07:00

EtsyMetal, an Etsy Street Team I belong to, is turning 4 this month! As part of the celebration, I will be having a huge sale in my Etsy Shop starting Friday, October 15, through Thursday, October 21. I will be listing new items in the next couple of days and hope to see you there!

Blog Carnival October 2010: EtsyMetal and Me

2010-10-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

EtsyMetal turns 4 years old this month! Happy Anniversary EtsyMetal!

October Topic: EtsyMetal & Me
When/Why did you join? Is it what you expected? What does it mean to you to be a part of the team?

When/Why did you join?

I have been a member of Etsy Metal for a few years now. I joined in January of 2008, and honestly, I can't even remember how I found out about it. Someone mentioned it in passing, and I had a look at the EtsyMetal team page (http://team.etsy.com/profilest/metal.shtml) and sent in an application.

Is it what you expected?

I didn't quite know what to expect, but I was extremely excited to be a part of a group with such outstanding metalsmiths in it (Both Sarah Hood and Ann Jenkins were like celebrities to me in college). I love that there is a private forum, which is very well organized, and the team really works as a team.

What does it mean to you to be a part of the team?

After first leaving college, I think a lot of metalsmiths need to find their voice--when you're in art school, it can be very difficult to transition from conceptual work to production work. Four years on, I finally feel like I have a really solid grasp on "my voice". I honestly can attribute a lot of this to being part of Etsy Metal. As part of a team, I can turn to my team mates with problems and questions ranging from business techniques to technical issues, to personal problems. And even if I'm not the one asking the questions, I can certainly absorb and contribute to other conversations. I am still no expert in business or marketing, but I have a much better idea of what I "should" be doing as an artist.

The other part of leaving school as an artist is that in many cases, suddenly you go from being in a studio with 20 other people, to being on your own. It gets lonely! I often find myself checking facebook and email multiple times a day just to have a sense of keeping in touch with other human beings. I love knowing that a group of people who I have grown to love and respect are just a few clicks away.

Outside of the forum, there is also a lot going on. We are constantly holding challenges and projects (EtsyMetal Project Runway Challenge, Monthly Themes, and Charm Swaps are a few) that keep people motivated and trying new things, which is really important as an artist. I actually took about a year off of making production work, just so I could play and really figure out what it was I wanted to make and how I wanted my business to look. I had been losing myself in simply trying to make sales and producing crap that meant nothing to me. I took part in a lot of challenges through EtsyMetal that helped re-awaken techniques that I love, and remind me of what's important to me. And the whole time, I had a great support network to turn to.

If you would like to read more on this topic, check out other EtsyMetal Team Members' blogs!

Danielle Miller http://daniellemillerjewelry.blogspot.com/
Victoria Takahashi http://vtakahashi.blogspot.com/
Inbar Bareket http://www.inbarbareket.net/
Stacey http://wildflowerdesigns.blogspot.com

Caitlyn Davey http://discomedusa.typepad.com
Nina Gibson http://ninagibsondesigns.blogspot.com/
Beth Cyr http://bcyrjewelry.blogspot.com

Reality Vs. Illusion, Sydney, 2010

2010-09-29T20:37:00.000-07:00

I am so honored and grateful to be a part of the Reality Vs. Illusion show in Sydney, Australia. It opens October 7th and runs through October 19th. If you are in or around Sydney (or know someone who is), please stop by to see it!

A little more info from Sonya Scott, Curator:

"Reality and Illusion.....an ambiguous combination of two ideals strongly opposing the other, yet, oftentimes embodying the very essence of what they are not"

Please join us at Gaffa Gallery on Thursday 7th October for the opening of Reality Vs Illusion, a group exhibition featuring:

Tamahra Prowse
Kimberly Williams
Sean O'Connell
James Looker
Catherine Chandler
Joanne Piper
Rita Clinquart
Chris Ditsas
Felicity Cain
Penny Snars
Ears

Curated By Sonya Scott.

It has been epic...

2010-09-29T10:22:00.000-07:00

The last few months have been....epic, to say the least. For my small metalsmithing practice, I have rarely been so busy. I have certainly not had huge projects back to back that make me into some crazed, obsessive, insanely focused work machine.

I'm not complaining...I love the busy-ness and drive to create.

However, I am so dearly looking forward to taking walks with my loved one again.

Being able to sleep in.

Being able to go to sleep *before* midnight!

Not being a zombie at work.

Cooking meals and watching movies together (as opposed to a combination of frozen food + salad and movies playing on my iphone while I am working on jewelry and Dave is sitting at his desk).

Three more nights of metals work. One day of a jewelry sale.

And a 6 day dog sitting adventure...then I will be back to normal. Aaaaah.

I can't wait to relax in a bath on...October 11.

The Lockets, Revealed!

2010-09-25T09:59:00.000-07:00

First, a disclaimer....I do not have a "professional" product photo set up, so these photos are not the highest quality. When I get the lockets back (if they don't sell), I'll be taking much better photos with a much better set up. I hope you enjoy!

"That Trip We Never Took"

Copper, Sterling Silver, Brass, Paint, Patina

Fabricated

8.7 x 6.7 x 1.5 cm

"That Trip We Never Took"

Copper, Sterling Silver, Brass, Paint, Patina

Fabricated

8.7 x 6.7 x 1.5 cm

"That Trip We Never Took"

Copper, Sterling Silver, Brass, Paint, Patina

Fabricated

8.7 x 6.7 x 1.5 cm

"I Dream of Baby Boys"

Copper, Sterling Silver, Brass, Mixed Media

Fabricated

6.8 x 6.7 x 2.7 cm

"I Dream of Baby Boys"

Copper, Sterling Silver, Brass, Mixed Media

Fabricated

6.8 x 6.7 x 2.7 cm

"You, Your Mum, and the Phone on the Wall"

Copper, Sterling Silver, Stainless Steel, Brass, Vintage Phone, Patina

Fabricated

6.7 x 7.8 x 1.9 cm

"You, Your Mum, and the Phone on the Wall"

Copper, Sterling Silver, Stainless Steel, Brass, Vintage Phone, Patina

Fabricated

6.7 x 7.8 x 1.9 cm

I will be posting a video more about the techniques and inspiration behind the lockets tomorrow. Thanks for looking!

Crunch Time Nourishment (or, Recipes for Those Short on Time and Money)

2010-09-18T12:05:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, as I was heading into what I call "crunch time" with the lockets, I started planning our grocery list according to how much time I knew I would have. Not much time at all. Normally, I LOVE to cook. There's something about creating a beautiful meal from scratch that is so rewarding (much like turning a sheet of metal into something beautiful and wearable). In addition to loving to cook, I am also highly aware of the nutrition we take into our bodies through food (thanks to having dabbled in being vegetarian, vegan, and raw foodist before). With all that in mind, I thought I would share a few little meals I have "discovered" as being great time-savers:

Breakfast

2 Fried Eggs

1 C. Lowfat Organic Yogurt with 1 handful Lowfat Blueberry Meusli

1-2 rice cakes with low fat cream cheese and smoked salmon

Lunch and Dinner

3 Vegetable Samosas with a heaping salad and Cilantro dressing

Steamed Potstickers with steamed Broccoli

Roasted Chicken pieces in a heaping salad

Two spring rolls with vermicelli noodles and sliced veggies, with Peanut dressing

Snacks

Grapes

Apples

Bananas

Rice Cakes

Baby Carrots

Hummus

I love these options, and there are many more. Mostly, I've just chosen a food I like (i.e. Samosas) that are easy to heat up (they're usually frozen, from Trader Joe's), but I'm definitely looking forward to getting back to cooking lovely pastas and roasted vegetables. Sometimes if I know a week is going to be busy, I'll also cook a huge pot of soup to sustain us for a few days, and that helps break up the monotony of the other meals.

Bon Appetit!

Progress on Lockets for the Reality vs. Illusion Show

2010-09-11T22:22:00.000-07:00

9 Years Ago Today...

2010-09-11T13:08:00.000-07:00

9 years ago today, I was in Sydney, Australia.

I'd been there for about 6 months, going to University.

I lived alone and had very few friends (being the only white person in a school full of mostly Asian students was very difficult). Luckily, my studies kept me extremely busy.

My boyfriend at the time and I were just about to go to sleep, when he received a text message from a friend

"Turn on TV, watch WWIII"

World War III? Was that a movie?

At first we looked at the images thinking "What is this?"

And then....

it sank in. Oh. Dear. God.

We've been attacked.

We stayed up all night watching (it was morning in the States).

The next day at school, I fielded questions and condolences and watched the news at each opportunity.

When I came home and was walking towards my house, I saw a rainbow arch over the ocean, in the midst of a storm. My heart soared. I thought "how...appropriate". Hope in a time of utter disaster.

I ran to get my camera from my apartment, and dashed out to the cliffs above the ocean to get this shot. I needed to remember that piece of hope.

That everything would be alright.

I never realised how much I loved America until I lived overseas. I don't always love how it's run, or the things that have been done in it's name, or the crazy consumerist culture.

But those rolling hills, arching mountains, flowing rivers. The people...the lovely, amazing people. I love them all. What I felt that day was a crazy mixture of grief, aching sadness, disbelief, and stubborn hope.

Americans are fighters. It's bred into us. We will never be beaten down.

But I also hope that we can find common ground with those who are different.

I hope that we can remember that we ALL ended up here because of our ancestors travels.

And that we are all diverse and yet, a family.

America, I love you, and today, I remember those who we lost and who gave their lives for others on September 11, 2001.

August 24, 2010

2010-08-24T16:57:00.000-07:00

I was there,

you were there.

It was a three story house, with low linear windows across each floor.

A thick divider, then more window above.

We talked about the future

how you liked it now,

but knew it wasn't practical.

You would age, so would your wife.

This would do for now.

There was a forest behind

those glass windows, divided by grey.

We laughed about the other night

when I had a vodka and wine

so easily drunk.

We laughed,

spent hours together

And then it faded and I said a quick goodbye.

See you next time, Pops.

(Don't stay away too long this time.)

Happy Birthday,

I love you.

The Continued Misadventures of Locket #1

2010-08-10T15:24:00.000-07:00

More Trials and Tribulations of Locket #1!

2010-08-07T17:53:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more process shots of Locket #1. This locket is full of challenges, and part of me is considering doing it over again. Probably won't though. Right now i'm making a faceplate for it to give me more working space for hinges. Luckily, I JUST realized what I've been doing wrong. I'll explain in my next little video!

When I went to make this faceplate for the locket, I started by tracing the body of the locket onto a file folder, and drawing lines across it at certain points to then draw the curves of my frame around somewhat symmetrically.

I trimmed the edge of the drawing off, and then used an xacto knife to cut out the inside. I then traced the outlines of the faceplate onto copper.

I also glued the outlined paper onto the copper so that it wouldn't move when I did the piercing. The mistake I made was to not double check the body of the locket with the drawing before piercing out the center. As it stands, the faceplate is difficult to solder onto the body of the locket accurately.

However, just writing this post has helped me realize exactly what I need to do. I tacked the faceplate onto the body of the locket with a couple chips of solder initially to make sure it was in the right place. That didn't work.

So, I'll remove the faceplate, then transfer the drawing onto what is currently the body of the locket and pierce it out there. Then, I will solder the locket onto a backplate. Oh, how I wish I'd thought of this sooner! But hey, all of these mistakes are just making me into a much better metalsmith.

A Look Into the Creative Process of a Metalsmith

2010-07-24T21:51:00.000-07:00

Today, while I was working on one of the lockets for the Reality vs. Illusion exhibition, I decided that it would be a fun idea to make a video documenting my creative process, and share it here on the blog via YouTube. I used my Canon G9 to make the video, so it might be a little fuzzy. I'm new at videos and definitely hoping to get better at it. I'm also hoping to have videos on here more regularly, of processes, tutorials, and little tips and tricks. I would love to hear any feedback you might have!

Also, if you like the video, feel free to share it by clicking the share buttons below.

Thank you!

Quick Tip: Making Multiples in the Same Size

2010-07-18T12:27:00.000-07:00

If you have multiple shapes that all need to be the same size(see above hinge plates), but are a bit uneven upon cutting out, you can glue them together (I use crazy glue or rubber cement), allow to set, and file them all to the same size along the edges. After edges are filed to your desire, you can just heat them up to burn off the glue (DO NOT breathe in fumes), and stick them in the pickle to clean. Good luck!

Process Shots...

2010-07-14T19:04:00.001-07:00

This is what my bench looks like right now....

2010-07-13T21:01:00.000-07:00

What can I say? I work in chaos. It drives me nuts but it works at the same time. It has something to do with keeping pieces out that I'm still working on and that are inspiring me.

Motivation....

2010-07-11T13:28:00.000-07:00

This weekend has been a "getting down to business" type of weekend....taking care of details for an exhibition (oh, why does writing an artist statement have to be so hard?), cleaning house, setting up a website for the new joint venture with Dave (details coming soon), and getting things done, generally speaking.

I'm glad for this little break in metalsmithing, to be honest. Yesterday I said "waiting for motivation is for amateurs", which I strongly believe to be true. If you wait for inspiration or motivation, what you produce will only be produced sporadically. Of course, there is that small population who seems to be inspired *at all times*, and I find myself a bit jealous of those people. However, I have learned through experiences at art school and in life, that sometimes you have to Just Do It (thank you, Nike). My motivation has been lacking this past week...I'm not sure if it's because I've been recovering from a cold or what, but it has been a struggle. One thing that has helped has been to put on a TED talk or documentary in the background, which keeps my interest and keeps me in my seat for a good amount of time. If I have been unable to physically work on the pieces I'm working on, I at least try to do research for parts of them, or like today, work on my artist statement.

Do you wait for inspiration/motivation? What do you do when you are struggling with motivation?

Friday Finds: Marian Hosking

2010-07-09T11:49:00.000-07:00

Marian Hosking is one of Australia's foremost contemporary jewelers. Having studied at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in the 1960's, she has a wealth of experience that she brings to the field of metalsmithing. She has been an integral part of the jewelry and metalsmithing community in Australia.

Her work evokes much of the natural world, where Hosking finds inspiration. Through a variety of techniques such as piercing, casting, and drilling, she transforms elements of the natural world into stunning silver beauties.

When I saw her work recently, I found the clean lines and graphic elements refreshing and invigorating. The aesthetic is the kind of aesthetic that continually inspired me during my studies in Australia.

If you would like to explore more of Marian Hosking's work, please have a look at her website. There are fabulous images of many many more pieces, as well as a little video on her way of creating, and her inspirations. Enjoy!

Inspiration: Growing Your Own

2010-07-03T13:33:00.000-07:00

(note: the Inspiration posts are simply little insights into me and what makes me tick. I hope you like them!)

Ever since my bare feet could hit the ground, I have been surrounded by grass, pasture, trees, and home grown food. For a while, we had a garden that my dad tended...I distinctly remember him yelling at the horses because they found their way into it and ate a good deal of the vegetables and broke the fence. I was probably around 5-7 years old at the time, and I think he decided to pause with growing vegetables after that. However, we were lucky enough to have resident cherry, apple, and plum trees on the property, as well as blackberry and raspberry bushes. There is nothing better than fresh fruit picked and eaten right away. At my mother's house, there were cherry trees and sometimes a garden that would yield copious amounts of squash and tomatoes.

In addition to all the food grown at home, there were fishing trips, hunted deer and elk, fresh food from farmer friends, and trips to pick huckleberries and mushrooms in the mountains. There have definitely been times in my life where I had no access to a garden and no opportunities to get out into the wild to pick my own (mostly during my college years), although I thought about it often. I also discovered in those college years that I am almost incapable of keeping house plants. That poor luck, paired with my cats' affinity for eating houseplants, has reduced my collection to mostly succulents.

Last year, I started reading a collection of books by Michael Pollan, such as In Defense of Food and The Omnivore's Dilemma, as well as Barbara Kingsolver's Animal, Vegetable, Miracle. They inspired me to start shopping at the Farmer's Markets and work towards growing my own. Recently I also finished Plenty by Alisa Smith and J.B. MacKinnon.

These books inspired me, as well as the movements going on around the world of growing one's own food, and this year, with the help of Grow Great Grub by Gayla Trail, I started my own veggie garden, otherwise known as my Army of Pots. We live in an apartment with no access to garden space (although the courtyard houses 2 blueberry bushes, 2 persimmon trees, and 2 asian pear trees as well as herbs!), and I know that the community garden plots around here are booked full, so I decided to make my own. We have tons of tomatoes, some squash, sugar snap peas, peppers, lots of lettuce and basil, and a few carrots. And today...I found our first peas! So, I am inspired and celebrating! I am also hoping that the summer will officially start soon so my plants can look a little less sad and a little more prolific.

Without wanting to sound like I'm preaching, part of why I am inspired to grow my own food and shop at Farmer's Markets is simply because I want to support my local farmers, a more local economy, and keep these crafts alive that have survived for centuries before big agriculture. The importance of preserving a variety of foods and plants goes beyond our health as humans--it feeds into our health as a planet. Much like the loss of indigenous languages and animals, the loss of plants can have a profound effect on our environment and culture, now and in the future. I am simply making small steps to support what I can.

I hope you all can find inspiration in the world around you, as well, for it is full of beauty and wonder.

It's gettin' hot in here!

2010-06-26T18:40:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, you just have to make a little oven (especially if you only have one torch to work with!)

Friday Finds: David Neale

2010-06-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

I just spent the better part of an hour 'researching' about David Neale, a goldsmith in Melbourne, Victoria in Australia. I regularly read CLOG, a blog by Craft Victoria, and their post on Neale caught my attention today.

Educated initially through an apprenticeship through a local goldsmith, but more formally at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), Neale creates a variety of jewelery and objects. What I like about his work is the graphic quality of it. Whether the object itself is inspired by nature or animals or something else, much of the time it has been given a layer of paint, a different color, or texture, and that bit of color really breaks it out of the norm and grabs my attention.

In addition to the jewels he creates, I love the personality behind the artist...or what personality I can derive from his blog. It is definitely worth a read (or a few). My favorite story so far is how he started apprenticing with a local goldsmith when he was about 17. I hope you enjoy...

David Neale is showing work currently at Metalab in Sydney (Surry Hills), and has a great interview on Metalab's blog as well.

Process Shots

2010-06-16T12:37:00.001-07:00

What do these two objects have in common?

They're both part of the lockets I am creating for an exhibition...