Robin Dudley-Howes

A Cuff Class

Finally! I finished a class project and would like to share it with you. It is so easy to go to a class, get a project started, and not finish it after you bring it home. BUT, I did this time!

This cuff is a result of a wonderful class I took from a great teacher, Robin Dudley-Howes. When I was down in Orange County, CA over Halloween I took this great little one day class at a sweet venue called Piecemakers. It is a store, restaurant, class rooms and bead supply as well, all rolled in to one location! I have been trying to coordinate a class there with a trip down to see our kids in Orange county, and it finally worked. So, Robin was teaching a class to make this decorated cuff, and I thought it looked like great fun. These pictures are the result of that helpful class. There were four of us in the class, so it resulted in relaxed fun, and great conversational This method is a fun way to make a sweet cuff.

I put a LOT of bling on mine, felt girlie that day. You make a frame, then wire on beads as you go. Then you cut out a backing to glue on the backside. It really was a lot of fun to make. If you get the chance, take a class from Robin. She's a great teacher, and makes beautiful things as well. Look her up!

Thanks for looking everyone. What do you think, would you wear this little gem?

Amazing store!

EYE CANDY!

Close your eyes, and imagine with me if you will, the most amazing notions store on the planet. You walk through the door of this little shop, step inside, and suddenly can't take another breath! The shop is packed floor to ceiling, with the most amazing assortment of EVERYTHING! And mostly vintage. There are hand made velvet flowers from the 20's, sequins of all kinds, and buttons...buttons...buttons.

Did I mention buttons? I have never seen so many. This little gem of a store is such eye candy. It is located in Morro Bay in Central Coast California. The owner buys huge inventory being closed out from manufacturers as far away as Paris.

She has owned this store for a zillion years. When I strolled in my first visit, my feet were planted. Then items started to focus, my heart raced, the earth moved. After minutes of just taking it all in, I could take another breath and actually move! I had been told this was the place to get some vintage ribbon...that is an understatement!

These treasures came home with me, all my pocketbook could part with on this journey. I chose some hand painted Czech glass buttons, vintage rhinestone buttons, rhinestones with backing, and some designer rhinestones sewn on to backing. Guess my "girlie" was speaking to me that day!

Hope you enjoy the pictures. The name of the store is Lina G. She has a store on ebay. If there is something specific you want, you could call her at 805-772-7759.

Playing with Vintaj pieces

New Vintaj pieces

Have you ever bought any Vintaj pieces before? They have such an array of eye candy, and I've been wanting them for such a long time. I wanted to buy them wholesale, so a friend and I put in an order together to make the minimum amount, ummm, okay, over that amount!

I was so excited to get the pieces. They have such a variety, and great quality. No, I'm not working for them, but you'd think so at this point, huh? The bird piece comes flat, I bent it around that amazing pearl.

And the circle scroll on the earrings came flat as well. I just love the way they turned out. I can see an assortment of these little guys with different stones, and gems. Can't wait to experiment. Guess I should send these pics to Vintaj! LOL. Hope you like them!

Finale of workshop remodel

The Work is done, Playtime begins!

I am happy to report that WH has finished the job! There is one small thing that has to be worked on...we covered up the electrical outlet that works from the switch next to the door! Oops. Okay, so the huge cupboard has to come out, the back taken off, ect. But, WH is goin in!

I wanted to show you the darling mirror I bought while still on my little island in Washington before I left. Yes, WH hauled it all the way to California for me, he is truly and angel. It finally got hung yesterday. My friend, Diana Frey, and I were fighting over who gets to hang it in their workshop when we spotted it at a quaint store on the island called Robin's Nest. Thank goodness it wouldn't fit in her studio, so.....! I put an Ikea bar underneath to make the item a little more useful, instead of just a pretty face! It is at the spot I do a lot of metalsmithing, so will get a little saw, and a few more necessary things hung from it. The challenge will be to maintain lack of "ego clutter"!!

And here are more of those inexpensive bars from Ikea. Perfect for things like wire, cords, whatever. They are so dang reasonable, I think those were only $1.99! I mean you just can't beat that anywhere!
These are more shelves, from you guessed it, Ikea. And yes, I do confess WH gives me Direct TV, and cable, and I have my iPod in my studio as well. I'm totally spoiled, but boy am I happy! And as WH always says, "Happy wife, happy life"! Gotta love it.
That's all on the remodel for the time being. I want to get a little fabric valance up. Maybe some art work here and there, and I bought a little "bird thingy hang on the wall art deal" that I can attach pictures to. So thanks for looking, I wish you all "happy lives"! Now I get to begin playing and creating.

Workshop remodel!

The end is in sight!

For my workshop remodel that is! If you haven't ever bought cabinets from Ikea for any reason, take a look at them next time. I am so impressed with the quality for the money. And they have so many choices. (No, I don't work there or own stock!) We brought home a truckload of boxes, I mean a huge truckload, and WH was up to his eyeballs in drawer sides, pulls, counter tops, bookcases....well, you get the idea! He spent the entire day putting all these pieces together from Ikea instructions, that are just pictures. I couldn't make sense of them, kept turning them upside down, right side up. But WH worked through it all and made it happen. Here's a before, and after shot of the process. You'll recognize the difference!

Boy was I tired. Had to run to the kitchen for a zillion ice tea refills for WH (that's wonderful husband by the way). Made him lunch, kissed his feet a thousand times, and voila. I love have a handy guy as a husband!! My workshop is transformed. I still have some finishing touches, like some fun stuff for the walls. And we covered up the only electrical plug in connected to the light switch with a cabinet, oops. So there will be some tweaking. I can see the end in sight.

Go look at Ikea cabinets! Anyone else had the same experience? Any remodels you want to show off, or just plain great studios? I know you have one out there!

Picture yourself attending a wonderful workshop in a beautiful setting in the greater Los Angeles area, a home in Agoura Hills. Here there will be an airy, open room to take marvelous workshops with fun and talented instructors. Picture a roomy, great room complete with antique barn windows and a lovely wooded setting. This rustic retreat is complete with artisan charm and old world character, the perfect place for your creativity to flow!

I am so excited to bring you news of doing a team teaching class in May with Diana Frey. We just love the idea of going to such an inspirational place and being able to share our skills with you, in a two day retreat. This class will be called Friends of a Feather, and you will leave with a bird theme, designer necklace. You can read all about it if you click the Inspirational Retreat link above.

But the news just gets better! If you sign up for ANY class they are offering in 2010, BEFORE the end of the year, you will receive 10% off the class price, AND a free lunch for both days as a holiday gift. That is a great deal. So go to the website and check it out!! We would love to have you join us and learn some wonderful new techniques with pmc and wiring.

What do you think?

Inspiration

Where does inspiration come from?

I got pretty much everything unloaded from the truck, and out of the garage, and into my studio. I hesitated to shoot these pictures, and then post them. But, there is a reason I did. I am in a reflective mood this morning. I am busy counting my blessings, and there are so many. It feels so good to post these pictures, and realize that what this blogging world might be truly about, is more than perfection. It feels good to not have everything in it's place and be able to post these pictures. Does that make sense. I really had to let go of my constant background noise of "is it perfect enough"? So I did. I know I will get things put away, and throw out a ton of things, so it fits, after I get some more storage. Not to worry!

Before I made this post, I did a little surfing this morning. It was perfect to find some things that were moving for me to read, as well as enlightening. After looking at my friend Diane Cook's blog, I read that she is touched by a lady she heard about with breast cancer. We send out love and prayers for her. That situation puts everything into perspective.

Then I came upon a post on Teesha Moore's blog where she quoted Wayne Dyer on his 12-step Program to Simplicity. Reminders to "eliminate ego clutter, in order to be receptive to inspiration". How to "Sweep it Clean, Inside and Out". He quotes Socrates who says "He is nearest to God who needs the fewest things". It is on her 9/3/09 post.

Now, how does this all tie in for me.? I don't feel like as much of a loser in having so many items, AND not having a place for everything. That is not important in the larger scheme of life. Our health is the only thing that truly matters. We don't have a choice about that. I have a choice about wanting to keep "things" or eliminate them. But I do agree with Wayne, "eliminating ego clutter" can have an amazing affect on your inspiration. After I was robbed of all the jewelry it took me six months to create, the most amazing thing happened....inspiration! I'm guessing it was my "ego clutter" that got stolen. Not because I made it, but because it was just a lot of "things". Yes, my heart and soul went in to making those, but in the big picture, they are just things. And I know in my heart I wouldn't have started from scratch in a new direction with designing if everything hadn't have been taken.

So thank you robbers!! You helped me get to an amazing place of inspiration, a re-growth position... you took the blossoms, but not the roots!

I hope this was inspiring for you!

A husband from heaven!

Not all husbands are made equal!

And I have to share how great mine is with you. This is WH (now referred to as wonderful husband), on his all fours the last few days putting new flooring in my workshop. We tore up carpeting, found cement. Then went to Home Depot to explore the possibilities that would be within the budget. Lo and behold, they have a new product out now, called Traffic Master Dimensions by Allure. This isn't an advertisement for it, but it is way cool. I picked out the pine, which is an aged, knotty pine look. I have to tell you, I LOVE it! And it is vinyl, so it will be durable, when I drop a hammer on it! No denting, no scratching.

So this is WH putting in the first few boards of it, or planks I guess you would say. It all sticks together, no nails, no screws. It's a floating floor, like the Pergo stuff, only vinyl.

And my friend Diana Frey came speeding to my urgent call the other morning, while I was on my way to the paint store, to help me pick out a color for the walls, other than white! I started with greens, then she quickly directed me to my favorite color, a blue. This soft, zen blue looks like my favorite gem...aquamarines! Since our house it at the ocean, it works so well. Thank you dear friend, you saved me! So I got to do the painting, took me about four hours.

See how those planks bend, then they just stick to each other. We were so amazed how easily this went in....well, I was! No actually, so was WH.

And, voila! He finished the last strips tonight. That is my closet, I took the doors off of, against the advice of WH. But he finally relented, and is going with the flow now! So, the furniture gets moved in as soon as the floor base boards to up. I hope to have it somewhat put back together by Monday or Tuesday. Then off to Ikea next weekend for some more storage. I have never had enough storage to put all this junk in, and doing more mixed media jewelry, oh my gosh, anyone else have a problem with storage in their workshops? I mean, all the fabrics, ribbons, papers, glues, resins, beads, beads, beads!! Oh well, maybe I'll take over another room soon?

OH NO!

Say, why don't you post pictures of your workshop for everyone to see. I would love to see anyone's workshop who reads this. Or, send me pics, and I'll post them for you. Wouldn't that be fun to see where we all create?

California here I come!

We arrived safely!

I'm happy to report that we made it to California safely, and it was mainly uneventful. What I'm really saying is....no break ins. Of course, I brought what little jewelry that was left over from the summer, in every evening. The thieves knew I was prepared this time!!

Sadly, all the beautiful photos I took to document our lovely trip have vanished off my camera. This has never happened! Has it happened to any of you? To my surprise, I'm ready to download them and...gone. There is simply nothing on my memory stick. How can this happen? Did the camera do it, or the disc just fail? Should I use the disc again, it is working fine now? How curious.

Well, I'll just describe! We stayed at a beautiful place on the Oregon coast, right on the water. The waves were so loud, we had to shut the windows tight. And the sea lions woke us up through out the night. Absoultely heaven. Then on to Mendocino, one of nature's best gifts. The cliffs are high above the black, rocky shore line. The waves come crashing in with their deep aquas and white whipped cream tops. Then the fog and mist started to appear about the time we had to leave, sneaking in silently.

Next stop was the Russian River in California's northern wine country. We drove through tons of giant Redwood groves, bending our necks back to attempt to see the tops. The deep forests were damp with recent rain, and the giants stand guard over seedlings. Having Chester the doggie, we need dog friendly places, so it was off to a tree house above the Russian River. It took some doing getting all the luggage up all the stairs, but once there, we settled in to seeing eye to eye with the tops of golden leafed trees. The wine tasting with our son, daughter in law and their six pals in a huge passenger van turned out to be a blast. We only got stuck in the mud once...but a quick call to AAA and voila, we were out in an hour. Oh, those boys and their automobiles in the mud. Way too much to tempt them.

Then on to Pismo beach. Our little house was waiting with open arms, along with a few neighbors that gave us some hugs and welcomed us back. It's nice to be home, but there were days on this five day journey, I would have loved to click my heels, and be home! Now the real work begins. I'm going to rework my studio space. Rip out carpet, paint, arrange for more storage! Any chance I can click my heels and have this be done?

mystery mushrooms

Does anyone know what kind of mushrooms these are?

I'm still loving the fall eye candy that is springing up on San Juan Island. These beautiful, delicate little bell mushrooms are pushing their way up all along our forest roads. It's as though they are sneaking out, then grow to tower over the weeds. I wonder if they are edible? If you know what these are, please tell me! And if they are edible.

Can't you just visualize little woodland creatures living in these, like fortresses? They look like they have little shingled roofs, and have been there for hundreds of years.

Workshop week

Beautiful week in the San Juan Islands, WA

My dear friend, Diana Frey, was up at the island for a week. We had too much fun! We made jewelry, ate, drank, laughed, and oh yes, went for long walks. Here are just a few of the many wonders, within walking distance from our cabin, that I got to show off to her.

The blackberries are bursting, waiting to be eaten by the many deer. I snatched a few today on my walk in our brilliant green surroundings.

There are fields of these things, I don't think are thistles. A friend called them something else, I don't remember, but they are amazing, standing so tall, guarding their little pond.

And you have to watch out for all the woodland creatures. They sneak up on you when you're not paying attention! Soooo dangerous! Ok, that's Chester, my four legged baby. Isn't it amazing how he poses. I just ask him to pose, and voila! What a good boy.

We even have furniture in our woods. I'd like to say we built this beautiful bench, but the folks who play frisbee golf built it. It is really comfortable, wouldn't think so.

And, oh yes, we taught a jewelry workshop, and had a ball. It was a small and productive class. That's Julie and Janet with me on top, and seated are Claudia and Diana. Barbara missed the group shot, she had to catch a ferry! They loved having a small class, and they made beautiful creations with their Feathered Friends inspired workshop!

So I'm getting ready to pack it up and head south to CA for the winter. It's getting pretty cold here, but I'll miss my beloved woods and the deep green forest. I have sunshine and coastlines to look forward to. Isn't life wonderful!

Timeless Creations

I was lucky enough to visit the B.C. Museum of Art in Victoria, Canada a month ago or so. What a spectacular museum it is. They had on display some ancient jewelry. I was so inspired by the gold, Roman pieces, they just talked to me. I stood in front of them and felt such a kindred spirit, almost as though I used to own one or two of them. That happens quite often when I view Roman jewelry. There was a piece that was on a hand woven chain, not unlike the Viking Knit we're all learning these days. The designer, thousands of years ago, used a simple medallion with two hooks, on a chain. This is my version of seeing that spectacular piece.

Who knows, maybe I was Roman royalty at one time? I'm sure my husband is sure of it! Seeing the beautiful craftsmanship is a reminder, we are all human, we make jewelry the same way, and we have similar passions, thousands of years later.

Dilemma!

HELP!

I have a dilemma. My daughter-in-laws "big one" is coming up, and I can't decide which style of necklace to make for her. She doesn't wear a lot of jewelry, but loves mine. Go figure. So I know she doesn't like a lot of bling, but a touch is kind of nice.

She used to be a tomboy and still is a jock.

Since it's a surprise, I can't tell her about it, and want to make something fun for the big birthday. Any advice you can give me, I would sure appreciate it. Guess since it's family, I can't make up my own mind!!

So what do you think? Necklace #1 style....

or necklace #2 style??? Ok, I'll tell you, it's her 4oth, but that's just between us!

Adorn Me! 2010

Adorn Me! 2010

There is a new national art jewelry retreat coming to Houston, Texas next year!!

It is called Adorn Me! Linda Young, of the successful retreats, ART Unraveled, has organized this new jewelry event, and chosen a huge array of jewelry/mixed-media artists. The dates will be March 2-7, 2010. I am thrilled to have been chosen to be one of the instructors at this exciting event, along with a huge line up of talented teachers.

The first project I teach will be on Saturday, March 6th, called

Hinged Cuff. Here is the class description. Check it out! You will have so much fun cutting this bracelet out from etched metal, then making the hinges yourself. These bracelets are interesting to assemble, to see all the pieces come together. You will feel a huge sense of accomplishment! And this hinged cuff is very comfortable to wear.

The next project I will teach is on Sunday, March 7th, is called Woven Silver Pendant. Just click the link for a class description. I am so excited to show you how to weave with sterling silver wire. The effect is so earthy, tactile and interesting. I love forming with this weaving process, and creating fabulous shapes. Then wire on a beautiful big pearl or stone, to add a finishing touch. You will leave the workshop enlightened about using the little torch, and wearing your fabulous, new necklace! And feel free to do whatever shape you like!

I plan to take as many classes as I can as well. There are so many talented instructors, it is hard to choose. Just to list a few are Diane Cook, Diana Frey, Deryn Mentock, Richard Salley, Jane Salley, Sherri Haab...the list goes on and on! WOW!

If you would like to follow the conversations about the retreat, join the Yahoo Group discussion. That way you won't miss a thing. Send in your class choices asap, since this is all done by mail. They will start opening requests on Oct. 1st, so don't delay. And please let me know if I can answer any questions.

I sure hope to see you at one of my fun classes!

Challenges and passion

It isn't often that I come home from just seeing a movie, and find such huge similarities, to many parts of my life in it. That is the case with this movie.

The movie was Julie and Julia. There are really so many similarities to what we are all experiencing at this time in our lives. Yes, this movie is about Julia Child's cooking, but mostly about her personal challenges, she set forth, to make her life more meaningful. She wasn't one to sit around darning socks, or wait on her husband hand and foot. She wasn't satisfied with joining women's card groups, or taking hat making classes. She hadn't found her passion...

until she found cooking!

Does this sound familiar fellow artisans?

Once she discovered her passion, she was on a mission. But the act of cooking, by itself, wasn't enough. She set goals for herself. One was to become published. Yet, she understood she couldn't do it alone. She needed the love and support of family and friends. Just like the star of the movie found out, played by Amy Adams. In the movie, Julie, her character, sets her own goal. She was driven to cook every recipe Julia published in her book, within one years time. She starts a blog, and wonders if anyone will ever read it, or be interested, or respond!

Sound familiar?

This post really isn't a review of the movie. I'm writing from the heart, about how moved I was to see someone like Julia Child struggle, to overcome her challenges she took on. The best things in life DON'T come easy! Her motivation wasn't just about money and success, although she hoped for a few bucks as a result of all her hard work at getting published. She wanted to feel like she brought a service, a joy, to women. All the while being able to fulfill her passion of cooking. It wasn't just cooking that gave her joy. She was willing to give so much of herself, so others could benefit. But she needed the help and support group of friends and family.

I feel such a kindred spirit with Julia. I think many of my friends will too. Making jewelry is a passion. I feel it is truly my life's work, since retiring from a job of many years. But, making jewelry is in itself is not the reward. If you can't see the joy it brings to people, why do it? So I started selling a few pieces. Then I saw that my jewelry pleased a few, so I started jurying in to art festivals. Every little baby step, allowed me to gain more confidence, and set bigger goals. Then I decided to teach a class. That was extremely rewarding. A little more confidence was built, so I set a goal to get published. That was a big one! Now that has become a reality. Recently, the opportunity arose to submit to a national jewelry retreat, as a teacher. So, what the heck, I held my nose and plunged. I was chosen to participate. But, these things happening are truly because of having, like Julia and Julie, the gentle nudging of friends and family.

I'm in my late fifties now, and just starting to understand a few things about life. I might be a late bloomer, okay, for sure I am. But I am really understanding some basic fundamentals about how to make your life more fulfilling.

Don't settle for less in life than will make you happy. I'm talking about goose bumps happy. I'm talking about jumping up and down happy. What ever that might be. Don't be afraid to try....anything! Because if you don't, how can you accomplish your goals? And set those goals! Big ones. Ones that make you nervous, make you shake, make your heart race. And a little bit of struggle to make them work out is worth it. If I can do it, anyone can.

Nothing can hurt you for trying.

And the most important lesson to attaining these goals for me, was to find a support group. One that shared my vision. If you don't have one, please find it. It can be girlfriends, boyfriends, family, anyone who encourages you to do what you want to do. My mother and father divorced at an early age. I was three. My mother died when I was eleven. The only support I had was my older sister, and she never stopped encouraging me. I never had a support "group". Now I have a wonderful husband, who never stops encouraging me. And I am lucky enough to have a fabulous circle of lady friends, who continue to encourage me to set new goals, and lend the support to see me through them. I have met some wonderful "jewelry" sisters in the last couple of years, fellow kindred spirits, looking for the same thing I am. This has been the most rewarding treasure, since picking up my first jewelry tool.

I wish each and everyone one of you, the warmth and support from friendships I feel in my life. It is such a rewarding thing.

And, if you haven't challenged yourself recently, do something about that, okay?

You have the power to accomplish whatever you want to, don't forget.

Plant one foot in front of the other. Take baby steps if you need to.

Set goals you've been putting off for whatever reasons.

And find friendships that share your vision.

Something is a buzz...

It's all a "buzz" here...

I was so inspired by the busy, fuzzy bees this week, here on our beautiful island.  I see so few of them right now, and when I do see them, they seem to be working furiously. Fall is slowly sneaking in, and they are working so hard to gather the last dollops of golden pollen from the fading flowers.  We are all getting ready to settle in for the winter.  I'm looking forward to meaningful moments with friends and loved ones.  

What does fall mean to you? Does it inspire you in some way?

Words to live by

Get out your stamps!

Here is an example of stamping the silver solder after applying it.  I love doing this! I can personalize my pieces, with a little message, or a word. Just use your metal stamps, and give it a good pound, super easy.

Any suggestions on some lovely words? 

I love this little swallow, he just seemed to be savoring the moment!

Orcas Island trip

A trip to a neighboring island.

Today Fred and I took a fabulous excursion to one of our favorite neighboring island, Orcas Island, in the beautiful San Juans, WA, on our motorcycles!  It is about a half hour ferry ride, and when you're on a motorcycle, you get to be right up front of all the cars, I love that! No long lines to wait in for loading, like we deal with every other day to get on or off the island.

This is my incredibly handsome husband, Fred.  Or as he calls himself, "Fred X", since he carts my junk all over the nation, helping me out with my jewelry passion.  Those of you signed up for our class here on the island will meet him, he will be playing taxi driver that weekend for anyone who needs a ride to and from the class. Sorry, you will have to ride in a car!

Oh yeah, that is my Vespa 25o next to his little Suzuki 650.  He still can't believe how much fun my bike is, and I can do 88 mph if I want, but I don't want, ha ha.  

Here' s a look inside the ferry.

Ok, look past the lack of lipstick, and a brush, and just look at that smile on my face.  Ah, love the island life!  Now that's what I call playing.  Aren't the island just incredibly beautiful? Have you ever been here? Let me know if you have, ok?

Thanks for letting me share my little outings with you!

Life is wonderful, aren't we lucky?

Tagged response

I've been TAGGGGGGGED...

by my new friend Katherine Witherall.  So now I have a million questions I'm supposed to answer on my blog.  I'm going to take a stab at it.  Being fairly new to blogging, I'm going to do my best to be brief, creative and hopefully interesting! Ha ha. So here goes.

What is your current obsession? Since taking a class from Stephanie Lee last spring, I can honestly say it is etching! Just love the effect.  She is a talented and giving teacher.  Just love you Steph!

What is your weirdest obsession? Right now, strangely for me, it is eating!  I had a tough trip back to the northwest for the summer from our winter home. We got robbed! So all I've wanted to do is eat, and all the wrong things. I've put on some pounds, and feel pretty lousy, so I intend to take control again, immediately!  Walks are overdue.

What would you eat for your last meal? So easy, Thai food.

What are you wearing today? I'm actually cleaned up, with capris, T-shirt, sandals. Even combed my hair and washed my face, (had customers over I admit).

What is the last thing you bought? After my last show for the summer, I splurged. Bought a couple tops, and a new pair of Birkenstocks (the dogs in the neighborhood got one of my favorite pair).

What are you listening to right now? A tv show, BBC, stupid one.

What is your favorite ice cream flavor? By far, coconut gelato.

What do you think of the person who tagged you? I just met Katherine recently at an Art & Soul retreat. I liked her immediately. She is funny, nice, tactful, and honest.  Someone you can have a meaningful  and intelligent conversation with, plus I love her work.
If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished, anywhere in the world, where would that be? After taking the trip of a lifetime, with my friends Shelley and Jill, to France last September, it would be in southern France for sure. I loved everything about the trip, but mostly being with great friends.
If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would that be? If it didn't have to be modern times, I would like to experience a French burlesque, or show, in the late 1800's.  But just for an hour!

What language would you like to learn? I always wanted to learn French, and took lessons before my trip to France last year. Love the language! I tried using it in France, they just stared at me, then asked if anyone spoke English. Hmmm, more lessons!

What is your favorite color? Oh, I love blues, almost all blues, any hue of blue, especially teals.

What is your favorite piece of clothing? I am a total shoe whore. It's true.

Favorite TV show? Ok, I could be really honest here and admit to watching All My Children, or tell you something like Bill Moyers interviews. It's a toss up!

If you have $100 right now, what would you spend it on? I might give half to the Heifer Organization for a few goats, then buy a pair of shoes with the rest!
What is your favorite artist? This question just isn't fair. I have so many talented people I follow and admire. I can't list just one.  Celie Fago, Stephanie Lee, Nina Bagley, Judy Wilkenfeld, Jen Crossley, Katherine Witherall, just to name a few.  And friends like Diana Frey Jill Rockwell, Stephanie Gorman  and Diane Cook are favorites as well.
What is your favorite season? I would have to say Fall in France! The colors are starting to show, the smells, just beautiful.

Describe your personal style? While a profession executive, clothes, hair and makeup were of the utmost importance. Since retiring from the "professional" life, not so much. Relaxed, comfortable and casual best describes me now, and sometimes I forget to comb my hair, living out here in the woods in the summer! Quite a switch. I like it.

What is your favorite movie? Waking Ned Divine, if you haven't seen it, rent it!

What inspires you? Nature really. The inconsistency of balance. Taking workshops. Learning new techniques.

What music do you like this week? Marc Anthony brings me to tears!

What is  your dream job? I'm doing it. Teaching, making jewelry. I'm a happy camper.

If you can change something in the world to make it a better place, what would that be? I can't change what I would like to, like BIG things. But I know I can affect other's lives in a positive way, that's important to me.

If you could change anything about you, what would that be? I would have longer legs, so I could reach the upper shelves in the kitchen, and not have to hem every pair of pants! I would be less hard on myself, and remember to enjoy each moment of everyday more.  It could be my last.

What do you need? My husband, my dog, and creative opportunity.  Freedom from demands is a pretty wonderful thing as well, let's the creative juices flow.

What blocks you from trying something new? My own fear of failure I guess. It is so easy to continue to do what you know, less rejection. But not as much fun.

Those are all the questions.  I added the last one.  So here are the rules:

1) respond and rework; answer the questions on your blog, replace one question that you dislike with one of your invention, add one more question of your own.  2) tag four other

 people, and if you're interested in participating, I am tagging you!

STEPHANIE LEE

DIANE COOK

CONNIE FREEDMAN

DERYN MENTOCK

Anacortes show 09

The show was a success!!

You know, sometimes the clouds open up, the gods smile down upon you, and everything in your day just work out.  That is how the Anacortes show worked out!  The weather was perfect, kind of overcast and cool, the attendance was great, I had dear friends helping, a wonderful man to cater to my needs for food, and voila, a good time was had by all.

The economy must be turning around, because people were spending! 

Yes, sold the Tweet Tweet piece. 

Are you feeling the economy turning around as well out there?

And of course, what would an art fair be without a show dog? Yes Virginia, people really do that to their dogs!

So, the selling season comes to and end for me, which I'm glad to say! After all that's happened, I'm ready to soak in the delicious scents of the season, what's left of it.  The County Fair is this week, I'll let you know if there are babies! I'm going to get the Vespa out and ride like the wind, visit with friends over a cup, and then, just when I think I'm tired of making jewelry, I'm already designing in my mind, so I won't last long not being in the workshop.

I'm looking forward to our workshop on the island in September, a beautiful time of the year here on the island. Crisp mornings, sunny afternoons, love it.

Thanks again guys for all your support.

Tweet tweet!!

I just finshed this little birdie necklace for the last show of the summer.  I'm getting ready for the Anacortes Arts Fair, coming up Aug. 7-9 in the seaside village of Anacortes, WA.  It is such a lovely setting, and the biggest juried show in the area.  It has over 240 artisans, food, entertainment and huge crowds. 

I have done this fair for six years, and this is the first year I'm not including any Keum Boo or pmc pieces, since everything was stolen!  So it is kind of scary to not have those pieces included.  With the cost of pmc being so high right now, dollars kind of dictated using mixed metals for the summer shows, and making pieces up quickly.  So what do you think? Will people miss it and be happy with the new pieces? Those who do lots of shows, any experience with this? The Friday Harbor show was great, but most of the customers were from out of town, and didn't know my work.  But I have a little following in Anacortes that return each year, so we shall see!

I can't believe it is almost August! I have had my head buried in the studio since my feet hit the island making product for the upcoming shows.  Wow, the San Juan County fair is two weeks away, something everyone here on the island looks forward to.  Wonder if there will be baby piggies? I haven't played nearly enough, so after this last show, I'm going to play big time!!  More motorcycle rides, more boat cruises, and dust off my bicycle and get some exercise!  But making jewelry is playing, we are just confined to one room.  It is amazing what you can produce when the heat is on, and I don't mean that literally, since we're having record setting temps here in the Pacific Northwest.  My gosh its hot.  It was 85 in my workshop two days ago, I was dripping.  I kept climbing into the shower to cool off, three times one day! 

So wish me luck at the next show, come see me if you're in the area, ok?  Thanks again for all your support, it's all blue birds and good things from here on out.

Feathered Friends Reminder

Don't forget to sign up for the workshop!!

Our Feathered Friends workshop is not too far away, 9/26.  Please be sure to sign up asap. We are getting full, but still have room for you. What a fun way to take a class, make a designer necklace, and have a ball! Come on, grab some friends, and come to beautiful San Juan Island.  The weather should be beautiful, meet new friends, meet our camel Mona...ok not MY camel, but we have her on the island. She's a beauty. I'll get a picture of her and post it!  Just let me know, email me at rikis1@mac.com. 

Hope you can make it!

Friday Harbor Arts Fair

The Friday Harbor Arts Fair was a huge success.  There was a great attendance for it being a small town event.  Tourists came from all around, Seattle to Victoria, Canada, even Australia.

The shot of my display is on the second day. I was too busy the first day to take pictures, and there isn't as much jewelry left for the shot, but at least you get to see my new pieces of silver plate items, and my wonderful tree. It looks so cute all dolled up with chokers.

My friend Dona Reed (yes that is her real name) is a talented gourd artist. Since were right next to each other, we kept one side open to make it feel bigger and got to chat, it was a great way to spend the weekend.

So the art fair Gods smiled down on me this time, and the weather was perfect, the food delicious and the crowds accepting of my offerings!  Now I have to restock for the next, and last, show of the season, in Anacortes, WA. on Aug. 7-9.  

Hope you can come see the new creations!

My heart is lighter & soaring

There are hundreds of swallows playing acrobatics at our little summer camp spot here on San Juan Island in Washington.  They are so inspiring.  They are synchronized in flight, swooping while feeding. They seem so light, and uplifting.  I wonder what that feeling is like, flying till one's heart is content, almost frolicking for food?  What a wonderful way to fill one's heart and soul at the same time.

In applying one of Stephanie Lee's methods of solder and stampings, I attempted to create that freedom with an expression of love. What do you think, does this make your heart soar too?

New July earrings

I'm trying to keep inspired, and create new product, after the little incident in Redding, CA with the elves helping themselves to all my jewelry!
So, I'm starting over with earrings, and thought I would try some fun things with the cool etchings, the process I learned from the wonderful Stephanie Lee.

Do you like these leaf earrings? They are kind of long, but aren't lots of women wearing longer these days?

These are dainty little circle earrings. I love the way the etching turned out on this piece of brass. I left it in the solution a bit longer, the etch got pretty deep. (It was a really hot day up here in WA).

Here are some dangle copper ones with copper chain, and a little antique shoe button hanging off. They have some fun swing action.

What do you think? Are these too big? Will women wear these longer earrings?  I like a little smaller size, like the middle ones, but we try to not make things just for ourselves, right?