Riki Jewelry

Artful Gathering Classes

2012-01-22T18:37:00.000-08:00

INTRODUCTION OF

MY ARTFUL GATHERING CLASSES

Coming this summer...

to a computer near you!

Click the link below and you get to see my smiling face!!

Two classes

1. Romantic Relic Frames

To read more, please go to Artful Gathering here:

Start with sheet metal, end up with an amazing hand made frame, to cherish forever! I'll show you every step of the way. Fun, fun, fun!

2. Over coming the Fear of Fire

Please go here to Artful Gathering and read more about this class.

If you've had the desire to operate your butane torch that has been bought, but hiding in your work area, this is the class for you. Or maybe you want to use mixed gases in your work, but don't know what to buy? I hope to answer many of these questions for you in this class, as well as show applicable uses for each torch, as well as safety issues.

Registration is now open for Artful Gathering.

I will be available via email for the entire 6 weeks of each workshop!! So all questions may be addressed as you take the class, very cool!

I hope to see you in class.

Love and hugs,

Riki

AG blog hop continues

2012-01-22T08:14:00.000-08:00

Go visit Elizabeth!

Our Next Artist is Up for the Artful Gathering Blog Hop!

Celebrating Artful Gathering 2012 Online Art Retreat,
Open for Registration!

Blog Hop your way for chance to win!

From June to August 2012, ArtfulGathering.com will be presenting TWO exciting semesters of premiere online video workshops offered by fabulous artists who are known nationally and internationally. We are all very excited to share out knowledge, skill, and creativity with you, and we hope that you will join us for this AMAZING annual online event.

Blog Hop with us for a chance to win a prizes from Jerry's Artarama!

Each week the faculty of Artful Gathering will be announcing a featured blog to visit.

You can hop along with us until the final destination blog is reached, and where ONE Grand Prize winner will be chosen at Random for a chance to win a $200.00 e-gift card from Jerry's Artarama!!!

Two Runner Up winners will also be chosen at random for a chance to win a $25.00 e-gift card from Jerrys.

Each week I will announce the next featured blog for you to visit, and there you will find a new secret word or words that you will need to collect along your way from blog to blog. Once you have collected all the words from each blog you visit, they will work out to say a very artsy phrase. Here are the rules:

For your chance to win, you must collect all the secret code words and submit them upon the final destination blog in May. A random drawing will be conducted from those contestants who have submitted the complete collection of secret words!
Three winners will be randomly drawn. One for the $200.00 e-card to Jerry's, and two runner's up for the 25.00 e-card to Jerrys.

Week by week we'll go from one blog to the next!

Remember to collect all the secret words. These words will work out to say a very artful phrase, and you'll need all the pieces to be eligible for the final prize drawings!

Please HOP over and visit the Amazing Animal Portrait Artist...

Elizabeth G. Johnson

http://windandhoney.blogspot.com/

(Pick Up the Next Secret Word)

Have a wonderful weekend!

Prizes!

2012-01-15T07:48:00.000-08:00

THE FUN CONTINUES!!

Our Next Artist is Up for the Artful Gathering Blog Hop!

Celebrating Artful Gathering 2012 Online Art Retreat,
Open for Registration!

Blog Hop your way for chance to win!

Blog Hop with us for a chance to win a prizes from Jerry's Artarama!

Each week the faculty of Artful Gathering will be announcing a featured blog to visit.

You can hop along with us until the final destination blog is reached, and where ONE Grand Prize winner will be chosen at Random for a chance to win a $200.00 e-gift card from Jerry's Artarama!!!

For your chance to win, you must collect all the secret code words and submit them upon the final destination blog in May. A random drawing will be conducted from those contestants who have submitted the complete collection of secret words!
Three winners will be randomly drawn. One for the $200.00 e-card to Jerry's, and two runner's up for the 25.00 e-card to Jerrys.

Week by week we'll go from one blog to the next!

Remember to collect all the secret words. These words will work out to say a very artful phrase, and you'll need all the pieces to be eligible for the final prize drawings!

Please HOP over and visit the Amazing

Laura K. Aiken

(Pick Up the Next Secret Word)

http://www.laurakaiken.blogspot.com/

Gilding the Lily workshop

2012-01-09T11:48:00.000-08:00

Eye Candy!

I just received more beautiful sari silks from my favorite supplier, Lisa Jurist of Mudhound Studio. These hand colored silks will be included in the supplies for the Sunday class, WRAPTURE, I am teaching at Gilding the Lily in Fullerton, CA on March 4th.

My mouth is watering over these hand dyed beauties. Can't wait to start designing with them!

You can do so many wonderful things with these silks.

They add rich texture and color to any piece.

They are so much fun to design with. On top of all other goodies that can be pulled together and wound in at the Wrapture class. Hope you see you there.

love and hugs,

Riki

Artful Gathering Blog Hop 2012

2012-01-08T00:01:00.000-08:00

FROM ARTFUL GATHERING,

A BLOG HOP I AM THRILLED

TO SHARE WITH YOU!

Please join us. There are prizes involved, and lot's of fun.

Celebrating Artful Gathering 2012 Online Art Retreat,
Open for Registration!

Blog Hop your way for chance to win!

From June to August 2012, ArtfulGathering.com will be presenting TWO exciting semesters of premiere online video workshops offered by fabulous artists who are known nationally and internationally. We are all very excited to share our knowledge, skill, and creativity with you, and we hope that you will join us for this AMAZING annual online event.

Blog Hop with us for a chance to win a prizes from Jerry's Artarama!

Each week the faculty of Artful Gathering will be announcing a featured blog to visit.

You can hop along with us until the final destination blog is reached, and where ONE Grand Prize winner will be chosen at Random for a chance to win a $200.00 e-gift card from Jerry's Artarama!!!

Blog Hop participants with the secret puzzle words collected from each instructor's blog are eligible for the Grand Prize Drawing.
Runner up prizes will be randomly selected from all participants. Registration to Artful Gathering is not required, but blog hoppers will need to have all the secret puzzle words to be eligible to win.

Week by week we'll go from one blog to the next!

Remember to collect all the secret words. These words will work out to say a very artful phrase, and you'll need all the pieces to be eligible for the final prize drawings!

Please HOP over and visit the Amazing

Jodi Ohl

http://www.sweetrepeats.blogspot.com/

LOTS OF UPCOMING CLASSES

2012-01-05T21:21:00.000-08:00

I'm thrilled to tell you

about some upcoming workshops where I will be teaching for 2012!

I won't bore you with all the details here.

I'll put links in that you can visit if you want to read more about them.

FEBRUARY 18-19TH

Pismo Beach, CA

There is still room in this amazing class, A Charming Romance. There is a flyer on my sidebar. Just click on it to enlarge and read about the workshop.

Diana Frey and I taught this once before, and have been asked to teach it again.

It is two days of intensive play. We work with PMC making charms, learn to etch, and then a ton of cold connections. It is really a fabulous skill building class.

I can't believe there is still room, so get your name in quick!!

MARCH 3rd-4th

Gilding the Lily, Fullerton, CA

I am really excited about these classes. There will be two classes, one on Saturday and a different one on Sunday. I have been asked to teach in the Los Angeles area, so this is a special treat for me. And if you have never visited Nancy's store, you are in for an amazing treat of eye candy that doesn't stop. Bring a big, fat wallet!

Here is the link to read more about the

Wrapture class.

Here's the link for the Birds in Flight class.

I hope to see you at one or more of these classes.

Sooooooo much fun.

And, the second session of classes for Artful Gathering, in June and on line, has been announced.

More about that next time.

lots of love

Riki

Happy 2012

2012-01-03T07:50:00.000-08:00

A New Year begins....

Every January, we begin anew. At least that is the discussion on the news, in little conversations with friends, and talk shows. How do you feel about being asked "what are your New Year's resolutions"?

I had a different attitude about it this time. Instead of welcoming in the New Year like a 9 week old puppy, wiggling my tail and chomping at the bit, and making all kinds of new resolutions, I kind of took a deep breath, and sat down to contemplate my feelings about this.

I guess I am so overwhelmed with opportunity and new things going on in my life, that making a resolutions is just not in the picture. Then I thought, this is a bad thing? Nope, it really is a great thing.

Why put more pressure on myself, why should you, in making resolutions? I am still working on the last major one I committed to last January, to get my weight in line. I am so happy to say, I stayed focused on that the entire year, giving up sugar, or as much as you can give it up! It is in everything we eat, practically!

So is this overwhelming feeling a good thing? It really is. Is it okay to challenge yourself with new opportunities to the point that after sitting down on January 1st, and putting all the commitments on your calendar, you have to search for play time?

I believe this is a metamorphosis for me. I have never gone in to a year busier. I have never had the opportunities for growth as I do at this time. I have never challenged myself with quite the challenges I have set up for the year professionally. And see this happening all around me, with so many of you.

Aren't we lucky? Isn't it wonderful that we have opened ourselves up to new things, new opportunities and new skills? If we didn't do that each and every year, we would not have the opportunity to grow, and morph, giving us the chance to spread our wings.

May you have the most wonderful year of opportunity.

May you find happiness is the mass web of chaos you have spun.

May you find a way to enjoy each and every day, appreciating the life around you.

May you find peace, and time to play, in any form.

Sending much love.

Riki

Artful Gathering Summer 2012

2011-12-18T09:24:00.000-08:00

ARTFUL GATHERING

SUMMER OF 2012

Just a taste of what I will be teaching this summer, on line, at the website Artful Gathering. Go HERE for the link to the website, that is up now, open for registration only at this time.

There is a $5 registration fee that will eventually unlock more information about all the classes and info. This is a steal, compared to most $50 registration fees you will pay at retreats!

This has been a highly successful way for students to learn. When you go to the site, you will see the amazing line up of qualified and talented instructors lined up to teach in the next session.

I am teaching both sessions, but the second session hasn't been released yet.

In the first session, I will be instructing you on how to make a mixed media frame from scratch!! I am so excited about this. This is an opportunity for me to reach those of you too far away to take a class with me in person. I wish I could be on the East coast with this class, but this is a way to do it! Take the class in your jammies, whenever you feel like it! I will be available for six weeks during the class, to help, answer questions, and instruct. Take the class at your own pace.

This class is titled Romantic Relic Frames. We will be cutting-bending-forming sheet metal, attaching all kinds of found objects, and soldering with a butane torch. Fun, fun, fun.

I will walk you through each and every step, so all are welcome.

So go take a look!! I will be available for the entire six weeks, to answer questions and help in any way I can, being right there with you every step of the way, all on line!

I'm so excited about this opportunity. And released soon will be information for my second session class and details.

Thanks, and a big hug.

Hoping to see you in my classroom.

Riki

Ornament exchange

2011-12-13T22:46:00.000-08:00

INSPIRATION & CELEBRATION

There is an amazing body of art coming out of this fabulous

Ornament Exchange. It is a 12 Days of Christmas exchange, by some wonderful artists.

I've been following it on Rosa & Josie's blog with my good friend Diane Cook, who is taking part in the exchange.

This ornament is hand made by Melissa David, who had a life changing experience with surgery, experiencing complications, then being deeply moved. Lovely wings.

And this one by Pilar Pollack, incorporating a milage into her ornament, with the sweetest girl with rhinestones and threads. Love it.

So go visit if you can, it is worth the time. Again, such beauty, inspiration and ingenuity is going in to each piece, hand made with a lot of love.

Love and Merry Christmas to all.

Riki

So Grateful

2011-12-08T18:24:00.000-08:00

Grateful for so many things....

Here is our sweet Sophia with my little Maddie.

Go here to see why am so grateful...

This is my latest post on Molly Alexander's Grateful Living blog, such a wonderful blog. One of the beautiful things in life to keep us grounded. Thank you Molly for reminding us.

Merry Christmas everyone.

love,

Riki

Ho Ho Ho!

2011-12-02T22:45:00.000-08:00

Hi there,

Santa's Elf Maddie here...

Mommy doesn't know I'm writing you.

If you need an idea for a gift to put on your Christmas list, maybe I can help?

There is a wonderful Precious Metal Clay class coming up in February.

Check it out. Mommy and Diana taught this years ago, and have been asked to teach it again, how cool is that?

I plan to be there to help, so hope I get to meet you.

And I have been really busy, helping mommy and dad in the back yard, making these wood things. I don't know what they are for, but mommy is really excited about them. I heard her talking about how they keep her friends from burning their fingers while soldering, whatever that means.

But I have put my paw print on a few when she puts that blue stuff on, and walked all over the pavement!

Really fun!

So hope you see something to put on your Christmas list.

I hope Santa gets me a new squeaky toy for Christmas, and a new bone too.

I hope Santa brings you some fun for Christmas.

Lots of licks.

Maddie

Giveaway!

2011-11-11T07:44:00.000-08:00

Pssttttt!

In honor of 11/11/11...

giveaway going on over at e-workshops!

See the link on the side bar.

Contest open until this Sunday night!!!

I'm giving away a Vice Petite to some lucky winner!!

Good luck, and have a fabulous weekend, whatever you are doing!

Hugs,

Riki

WORKSHOPS GALORE!

2011-11-08T17:57:00.000-08:00

Yep, workshops everywhere!

Oh it's been so busy!! I have been teaching AND taking classes. What a blast!

The few shots below are some of the projects from Richard Salley's class. If you have never taken a class from him, try to. He is a talented artist, and one of the nicest guys you'll meet. I took three classes from him in three days, so he had gotten plenty of me! Ha ha.

The first project is a locket. Can you tell what it is made of?

A rusted bottle cap. Love that! It is the base.

He uses 14ga wire to make this adorable frame, then we use the whirligig thingy majigy to make coils, and of course a hinge for the top portion. LOVED this, making more for sure Richard!!

And it wouldn't be right to not put a little bling on it, huh?

This next project is also a bottle cap base. This bracelet has etched brass as the part that fits around the wrist on the back, then copper in the front. Everything had to be cut and fitted, then hinges attached. My kind of project, again LOVED IT!

Notice I slipped a Parisian medicine lid in there. Guess she's a French birdy!

Oui, oui. And underneath the lid is faux bone. Have you tried that? Look up Robert Dancik to purchase, he kind of invented the amazing stuff. Very fun effects, like scrimshaw.

And on Oct. 29-30, Diana Frey and I taught our class, Bezelicious. We had a packed house for this techniques class. There were 14 students. Thanks to all who attended. It was a blast, and they all did so well.

These are the name tag necklaces Diana and I whipped up. I had to scour the neighborhood for extra lids! Save those up, they make great items for projects!

All smiles after two days of working hard.

Thanks again Terri, Terry, Karen, Carrie, Theresa (holding Maddie), Susan, Georgene, Deborah, Mary, Diana and Nancy, Pat, Julie, Theresa, and Carol!

You were a fabulous group, we loved having you! I had a ball. And no rain this time, amazing!

Thanks for looking, see you soon.
Hugs,
Riki

Grateful Living

2011-10-23T18:04:00.000-07:00

GRATEFUL LIVING

I would love to share some news about a lovely new blog that my friend, Molly Alexander started recently. It is called "Grateful Living". I hand so honored that I am a contributor to this blog. She has invited a number of ladies to participate, to share their thoughts, feelings, and passions or anything that inspires them about grateful living.

Now isn't this a great idea? We all need a little inspiration, insight, thoughtfulness or just plain beautiful writing to get your day started, or to finish it off.

Each time I visit and read about a contributing writer, I learn a little more about that person than I did before.

Please stop by and visit when you can, it is so uplifting. I really think you will agree.

And she posted my first contribution this week.

Here is the link.

I added her button on my sidebar so you can go take in a little grateful living anytime you like. Feel free to post the button on your blog as well.

It just feels good!

Happy weekend everyone.

Thinking of you.

New Tool

2011-10-19T11:41:00.000-07:00

Introducing my new, not so fancy, but functional tool.

Vice Petite!

Here's a solution to those cramped hands while soldering with an iron!!

WH and I made these up from scratch, and there's limited number each time. They take a ton of time to make! But they are available now at my Etsy store, so if you would like to read all about them, just hop over.

Riki's Etsy Store

I hope you are having an exceptional day!

Riki

xox

Exciting News!

2011-10-18T11:23:00.000-07:00

EXCITING NEWS!

I will be a part of Artful Gathering

Summer of 2012

Class description to be announced soon!

For more information, go to Artful Gathering.

Hugs, Riki

GIVEAWAY ON E-WORKSHOPS!

2011-09-30T16:49:00.000-07:00

First of all, THANKS TO ALL OF YOU who participated in the HUGE Bead Soup Exchange, and left a message!! Wow, what an amazing experience that was. So cool I got to see so many new blogs and meet so many new artists. Thanks again Lori!

There is a BIG GIVEAWAY I just posted on my new blog, e-workshops, so be sure to hop over there and sign up for all the goodies.

It's the "grand" launch of my new blog, and why not start it off with a fun giveaway and contest??

Good luck!

And, I want to share my experience at the fantastic Art Is You Retreat, that took place last week in Petaluma, CA. Now this was some fun...instructors like Thomas Mann, Thomas Ashman, Dee Foust, Stephanie Lee, Michael deMeng, Joanna Pierotti, Keith Lobue, on and on.

I took four amazing classes. The first one was from Joanna Pierotti of Moss Hill Studio, and I attached her blog to the link. You have to go look at her work, wow! Just stunning. That was so much fun, I've never painted a face, or made any kind of a doll. So this was so way out of my comfort zone, and way cool!

She gave us little faces she pre-made,and we painted them with the tiniest little paintbrushes. Then we mounted them on tiny canvases, and decorated away. I just love how she turned out!

I need to give her a name???

None of my classroom shots are very flattering to people, but it gives you a great idea of the action taking place. That is Joanna, third from the left, in the tan. Everyone is so busy.

Another class was with Michael deMeng. Check out his blog. Another WOW! I have never decorated a bottle before, and not painted one either. This was a blast, might be my fav of all the classes. I used burlap on the bottom, and painted it all over, then string on top, attaching a drawer handle.

I was able to get my eyeball in there (thanks Rochelle)! A sweet student gave that to me this summer, I was so excited to use it. This was a lot of fun. I used drawer hardware to bend and attach, giving the transparency a ghosty look.

Here's Michael in action outside the class.

We're learning how to mix paints, and handle tools, too cool!

I took two Stephanie Lee classes! I don't have my Pipe Dreams pendant done, I'll post when I do. But in one class, Plaster Coffers, we made boxes from scratch cardboard, held them together with plaster and then painted them. I know, pretty amazing. But it worked. For some reason, I made an owl, guess due to the fact I pulled out that hardware, and it talked to me, then I found the buttons, and voila, an owl box! Still some work to finish on him yet.

Sorry Steph, not the most flattering, but you still are a doll! Yep, that's Steph in the stripped apron, we all got so messy playing with paints and plaster. I felt like I was in grade school again, so freeing! I will have to make more of those for sure.

Thanks to all the amazing instructors, the organizers Ellen and Sal, and everyone who went. It was probably the best retreat I've been to in ages, and loved every minute. Hope you can go next year, it was quite a treat.

So be sure to sign up for the contest over at e-workshops.blogspot.com!

Riki

xox

BEAD SOUP REVEAL!

2011-09-17T06:01:00.000-07:00

IT'S TIME TO REVEAL!

Every now and again in life, you just get lucky. Is it because you have eaten your Lucky Charms for breakfast, did the planets align correctly, or did you possibly pay it forward at some point and the sky opened up its beautiful treasures to warm your heart?

Well, I got lucky. I was sweet Cindy Wimmer's partner for my first Bead Soup exchange. Believe me, that was lucky for so many reasons.

Cindy and I have been blogging friends for a couple of years now, and I love to hop over to her blog for so many reasons. It is one of those feel good blogs, one that makes you smile, one that touches your heart, and pulls at all your heart strings. Not only due to the adorable children pictures, but she is such a talented lady. She is a partner in presenting the East coast retreat, Artbliss, check it out everyone! And she is published, makes amazing jewelry, and well...did I say talented??

She and I have drooled over our antique finds for years. Every time she posts some of the fun finds while antiquing, I lust after everything, you lucky guys on the East coast!

So while on vacation recently, guess who is thinking about wee little me? Cindy of course, because that's the kind of gal she is. Not busy enough chasing three boys around on holiday, she is shopping for the Bead Soup exchange.

So not only did she purchase these amazing pieces, she gave great thought to the careful labeling and creative packaging of my sweet loot! Yes, I am a lucky girl, and I'm on my toes, singing with joy as I opened her thoughtful wrapping, oozing with love. Aren't these pieces to die for?

On top of the amazing antique and vintage, hand selected treasures, she finds this charming jar, and includes that as well. Cindy, you have spoiled me completely!

This is what I created with Cindy's treasures.

I hope you like it Cindy, it was so easy to be inspired by your finds, and sit down and work with all these amazing pieces! Vintage leaves, a leaf broach, beautiful crystals, sari silk, a gorgeous hand made brass clasp, (big sigh here). Wow, a touch of bling, a whisper of silk, vintage chain, wow.

Thank you to Lori Anderson for coordinating this Bead Soup, you are amazing Lori. I understand this was a record for the number of participants this time.

I can't wait to go blog hopping and see what all of you have created from your exchange.

MUCH IS COMING!

2011-09-11T09:46:00.000-07:00

I'M A SNOWBIRD

As the leaves on all the deciduous trees begin to rare up and throw out their flame of color, WH and I begin the routine dance of packing up our utmost belongings, and heading south for the winter. We wave to the honkers (that's geese for city folks) as they fly up the runway in front of our cabin, honking loudly to announce their departure for the warmer country.

Well, I'm honkin', cause its time to go! This is an unusual year however, since summer has just now decided to grace us with her warm rays here in the Pacific NW. But, onward we go to California for continued sun for the winter months. Its about a three day driving journey, very pleasant as WH does the driving, and Maddie and I do the looking! Heard it was raining there yesterday, go figure.

I'm so excited about a sweet adventure coming up with the successful Art Is You retreat, in Petaluma. The link is on my sidebar, check it out! I would love for you to be there so we can meet.

And if you are going to be there, let me know, would love to meet some more blogging friends.

Below is a little tease picture of my Blog Soup Party stash coming up.

Cindy Wimmer is my partner, and here is a preview of some of the amazing pieces she sent me.

Wow Cindy...more to follow soon, when my necklace is revealed.

The blog hop for the Bead Soup Party happens on Sept. 17th. So be sure to my blog, and over 300 other participants, as we all reveal what we made with our generous assemblage of beads and goodies.

So exciting! So much going on.

Be sure to visit my new blog, e-worshops, for learning opportunities and tutorials.

See you in California at Art is You!

Hugs,

Riki

NEW VIDEO

2011-09-09T07:11:00.000-07:00

HAPPY LABOR DAY WEEKEND

I hope you were able to take a little time off and enjoy some relaxation somewhere, with loved ones??

I got a lot of work done, between house guests, grand daughter here for two weeks, WH's 65th birthday, and preparing for a big birthday party!

Whew! Time for a breather.

But in between all those free moments, I was able to shoot and edit another tutorial video!

I have to tell you, I love doing these, not that I'm great at it, but thanks to the support and amazing comments on my last video, I think I'll do more! You spoke, and I'm listening.

That's really the impetus behind launching the e-workshops blog. I can't tell you how excited I am about this. I'm lining up blogging friends to be featured on there, to give tips and giveaways.

How cool will this be??

So here's a link to reading all about the latest video on "e-workshops.blogspot.com". I think you'll enjoy it as much, if not more, than the last video.

Or you can go straight to my Etsy shop to purchase.

Thank you so much everyone, your support makes my heart swell with joy!!

Hugs,

Riki

New Blog!

2011-09-01T18:09:00.000-07:00

ANNOUNCEMENT!

There is a now a new blog, dedicated to learning! With the exquisite help from the amazingly talented Karen Valentine, I am launching a new blog called e-workshops.

This fun blog will deliver new adventures for you, adding to your current knowledge about jewelry making, or if you are new, what a great place to jump in and discover this amazing world.

My plan is to offer a variety of kits, tutorials, videos and on line classes, both by me, and blogging friends. I will also offer tips, freebies, and a host of other offerings.

It is just getting started, but go check it out and let me know what you think. You can hop back to my other blog, Riki Jewelry, by clicking that button anytime.

Please spread the word, post the button, and tell everyone!

I'm working on a fun, muti-item giveaway, so stay tuned.

Please leave me a comment, and let me know what you think.

And how about what you would like to learn about, any specific methods or projects you are hoping to see on here?

Thanks everyone.

Many hugs,

Riki

Summer Fun & Bead Soup

2011-08-30T21:16:00.000-07:00

Summer Winding Down

I can't believe the end of summer is upon us. For some, the weather was unbearably hot, with threatening fires, and for others, like in Washington state for me, it almost never showed up!

But, that didn't keep us from a fabulous motorcycle trip on Vancouver Island. On our three day trip, we caught a ferry off our island, rode to Lake Cowitchen, on Vancouver Island, and finished a loop in Victoria, Canada.

Such beautiful scenery. Here's an early morning scene, Fred is catching some pictures of a pretty lake.

I peeled off the motorcycle gear for a shot in Victoria, over looking the harbor at the waterfront. I love that town, can't get enough of it. Gives you the feeling you are really out of the country, and of course, you are. The Canadians always make me feel so welcome.

Then back home to our little island on another ferry, only an hour's ride from Canada.

That's WH in the bright yellow helmet, ready to ride off the ferry when it docks.

Then my second, and last teaching opportunity was with a fabulous group of ladies at the lovely Terri Brush's house, in Chehalis, WA. That was so much fun. Look at her beautiful property, and the house was amazing. You are so talented Terri!

We etched, we did cold connections, we soldered.

What a blast. They all did so well.

Here's most of the group, Rochelle, Mary, me, Terri, Jodi and Billie.

Not pictured is Brenda and Edna.

Thanks for such a wonderful time ladies, hope to see you next summer!

Ah yes, Grasshopper! Here is Terri mastering the art of "Zen" sawing with a jeweler's saw. We lost almost no blades, way to go girls!

Look at those cuffs, so beautiful, all etched, cut out and finished with cold connections.

Rochelle made a beautiful necklace, isn't that gorgeous?

and.....drum rollllllll....

BEAD SOUP TEASE!!!

I sent my focal and beads off to Cindy Wimmer last week, so exciting Cindy is my bead buddy!

Here's a glimpse of what I sent to her.

I hope she loves it and has a ball with it.

Here's more goodies she will be receiving.

Don't forget to tour everyone's blog to see what is being made up for the Blog Soup Party!

So that's how my summer was wrapped up. I hope your summer was as much fun as mine. Great shows, amazing support for teaching and Etsy kits and videos, decent weather, no major weather challenges, and Maddie loved her woods.

We head to CA for the winter in a couple of weeks. The journey is always fun, and amazing scenery.

I hope you had a fabulous summer, and would love to hear what new things you learned this summer.

How about it? Learn anything new you want to share?

Hugs,

Riki

Last Show

2011-08-10T18:48:00.000-07:00

The last show of the season!!

Okay, I only do three, and one is a Artist Tour, but that's it for the season for me, possibly! There might be one more around the holiday, we'll see.

I had my "Pearl" going on for the show. Second time I got to wear it, and oh my gosh, the responses were so much fun!! Everyone wanted to know what those clothes were all about, and where I got them. There might be a few gals looking her up. Gave you lots of plugs Robin!

Here I am in front of the booth, feeling the love with my Magnolia Pearl on. This was the most amazing show ever for me in Anacortes, WA. The stock market had dropped 500 points before the first day of the show, and I had record setting sales. Go figure!

Thank you to each and every one of you who purchased a piece of my jewelry. It was so much fun to meet some followers, and see them in person. Thanks for taking the time to swing by my booth, and appreciate your business.

Maddie did her part in helping at the show!!! Isn't she a good helper, licks toes while they look. Quite the team we are! And WH was busy the whole time helping me out, getting lunch and writing everything up. Thanks goodness for the new electronic device Square! Love you Square!

I listed a few pieces in my Etsy store today, so swing on over if you get a chance. This is your chance to own a Riki piece! I was asked so many times to put some pieces on Etsy, so here we go!

This is the sweetest dragonfly soldered to a brass base, love it. Makes me "laugh"!

Here is one of my darling soldered bee designs. I just love the touch of bling soldered on the wings. And if you want to learn to do that, I have a video you can purchase on my sidebar!

Thanks again to each and everyone of you, for helping to make it the best year ever.

Hugs,

Riki

Transformation

2011-08-01T10:43:00.000-07:00

Transformation

It is so much fun antique shopping, then bringing your goodies home and transforming them into something fun to wear. There is no way I can possibly get to all the wonderful pieces I have picked up, just this year alone. But this one jumped out at me yesterday, screaming to come out of the case! That's when we have to listen to them, right?

I picked up some of these turn of the century picture hangars at an antique shop in Victoria, Canada while shopping with my friend Jill. I think it looks very French!

What do you think?

I thought it needed a touch of bling, some beautiful chain and a pearl.

Any ideas what to do with the others? I just love these little hangars, too pretty. And the aging on them is so rich, I haven't touched it and won't!

This will go in to the collection for the Anacortes Arts Festival this coming weekend in Anacortes, WA.

Wish you could all come see me and say hi!

Hugs,

Riki

Maddie & The Frog

2011-07-29T10:48:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to stop

and smell the roses today!

Maddie likes our little visitor.

"You NEVER know what a day will bring."

A quote by WH's mom.

Make it a good day my friend.

Hugs,

Riki

My workbench

2011-07-27T12:32:00.000-07:00

What's on my work bench

this afternoon?

Oh fun, fun, fun things. Making some new pieces for the last upcoming summer show.

I thought I would share this because it might give you some ideas if you are taking our upcoming October workshop in Pismo Beach, CA, where Diana Frey and I are teaching the art of bezels!

You can have so much fun with bezels and resin, your imagination is the only limitation.

There are a few places left in the class, so hope you can make it. The flyer is on my sidebar, with all the details.

I hope you can come see me at my last show for the summer, August 5-7 in Anacortes, WA. It's a scenic show, located right next to a beautiful bay, with lots of talent and great food!

Hope to see you one place or the other.

How do you like my little project for the day?

Hugs,

Riki

Surprise workshop in Oregon!

2011-07-24T11:09:00.000-07:00

Surprise!

Deep in the Oregon woods, in the central part of the state, waaaayyyyyy over on the coast, and a two day journey from my island, is a wonderful, enchanting retreat, called Sitka, The Center for Art and Ecology. It is formally in the town of Otis, OR, which has a post office the size of my bedroom!

This multi-acre facility is lodged in amongst the woods at the coast, within a deep, green belt of tall trees, serene and absolutely beautiful. We had lots of misty summer rain the first day of the workshop, allowing the aroma of the deep woods to tickle your senses.

Sitka is a non-profit retreat camp, with the most adorable out buildings, and grounded tree houses. They have ongoing artist workshops, with accommodations for the instructors to stay.

Why was I there? Well, I got a call last week from a dear one, Stephanie Lee, who needed a little favor. She could not make a two day workshop she had planned with these lovely people, due to some personal issues, and wondered if I might be able to fill in for her. So I did.

I have to say it was one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. The grounds are simply spiritual, putting all of us at ease, allowing the students to settle in to the changes thrown at them (with the option of canceling in advance) and helping me to feel comfortable, in knowing they really wanted to be there, with a substitute! I could never fill Stephanie's shoes by any means, no one could. But luckily, a great time was had by all. The Junk Drawer Metalsmith Class two day workshop went on!

To make the students feel comfortable in Stephanie's absence, we conferenced her in at the beginning and end of the workshop. It was great way for everyone to meet her and see her smiling face, and contagious enthusiasm for her craft, and love of the art.

Look at those smiling faces, did all of us have fun or what?

A big thank you to all the students who hung in there.

Pictured are Avery, Vicki, Diana, Holly, Kim, Joy (peeking out behind me), Cara, Dee, Donna and Laurie.

Here are some shots of the grounds. Art is overflowing at every turn, giving you a rich sense of reflection and inspiration. Truly a feast for the eyes.

Thank you Stephanie, for your support and trust. Thanks to all the students who put their faith in the facility, Stephanie and me. It was a blast, and I hope you will continue to use what you learned, and continue to play.

And a huge thank you to Eric, Alene, Dawn and Teal, who made me feel comfortable and welcome. Your facility is magical.

I hope all of you will get an opportunity to experience this oasis by the sea one day.

Lots of love,

Riki

Kit now available

2011-07-11T17:39:00.000-07:00

Rhinestone Bee Kit

I listed a few bee and rhinestone kits on Etsy!

I listed all I have at this time.

The starter kit includes enough rhinestone chain to make the bee I demonstrate in my video. To see the kit and video, go to my Etsy store.

Plain rhinestone chain listing coming soon.

This is just a quick start for those who want to play with soldering rhinestones onto base metal or silver pieces. But I'll warn you (yes, this comes with a warning...it is addictive!)

Have fun!

Riki

Video Feedback

2011-07-10T08:10:00.000-07:00

Thank you Jenny!

The sweetest thing happened.

The kindest post was made about this amazing cuff. This beautiful bracelet, from sweet Jenny at La Dona Boutique bought my tutorial video, about soldering with rhinestone chain. Here is her first result after trying the technique I demonstrated.

You can go to her blog and read all about my video, her work as a result of it, and many more wonderful things on her blog.

Wow Jenny, I would say you've got it! Great job, on the layering, use of chain, etc. I am knocked out, really. And thrilled that I could help.

Thank you to all those who have purchased the video, and the wonderful comments I am receiving as a result. If you would like to see it, you can click on the link on my sidebar and purchase it. Send me pics of your work as a result, I would love to post them.

Do you want more "how to" videos?

Let me know what you would like to see, and I'll attempt to make that happen over time.

I was thinking of putting the bee and rhinestones on Etsy as a kit. Would you like that?

Have a wonderful Sunday everyone. Make some really cool things and share pics!

Hugs,

Riki

How to video now available

2011-07-05T07:42:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July holiday.

I sure did. I was so lazy. Did our small town, hour-long parade downtown, (took Maddie and she did great).

Then went out to lunch, over looking the water and the ferries coming in. Took a nap in the sun on our deck, (yes, sun here in the Pacific Northwest, we had forgotten what it looked like).

Then went to the island's 1800's resort hotel, Hotel de Haro, and watched log rolling contests, walked the docks to people watch and laugh at their stupid boat decorations drunkenness, and then home to dinner and fireworks show on tv and our resort. Whew!

Now off to Zumba this morning, draggin my tail!

But I wanted to share something REALLY exciting with you first thing this morning. I have made a new video, available for purchase to view.

How to Solder

with Rhinestone Chain

Yep, I made a video of how to do this. WH assisted, and we created a sweet, six minute HD video, showing you a detailed, step-by-step video, complete with all the instructions and supplies. It shows you how to solder rhinestone chain to a brass stamping. I also show how to patina your piece, giving it a warm, aged look.

After looking at this, you can start to make all kinds of new creations, having even MORE fun than before, with the sweet rhinestone chain you have, or can purchase.

I've put a link on my sidebar to connect you to my Etsy store for purchase. Its so much fun to add a little bling to base metals, or stampings, I love it.

Have a great day wherever you are!

Hope you recover from too much fun this weekend.

Hugs,

Riki

Classes in the Seattle/Portland area

2011-06-20T15:31:00.000-07:00

Announcing.....

new Summer Classes!

I am so excited to announce these two great workshops, in the Seattle/Portland area. I will be teaching at the lovely Terry Brush Design studio in Chehalis, WA.

C'mon now, you asked for some classes closer than California!!

The workshop dates are:

Saturday August 20th 10a-5p

Sunday August 21st 10a-5p

We have two wonderful classes packed full of amazing skills. Please click on the flyer to enlarge it so you can read all about it.

Feel free to email me with questions at rikis1@mac.com, send a check, or just click the Paypal button, to pay and reserve your spots. This will be so much fun, we're going to have a ball, and learn at the same time.

Hope you can join us.

Spaces are really limited, so please book now!

Hugs,

Riki

Back to Camp Schumacher

2011-06-18T20:49:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh.....

We are back on San Juan Island, in Washington state, for the summer. It is so beautiful here. And Maddie is loving it!

After spending two weeks getting our property all cleared off, since it was overgrown with weeds, we finally got the job done. Every bone in my body hurt for two weeks, then I actually started getting used to it!

So between weeding, planting flowers and making the workshop ready for my first show, the Island Artists Tour, we found some time to take a few hikes on our beautiful island.

Here is Maddie, enjoying the afternoon outing.

It was great to get out, get some fresh air, and see the scenery.

Now is she cute or what?

Here is a nice vintage point of a park called English Camp. This is a sweet lagoon where the British had their camp, back in the 1860's, protecting their territory. It wasn't decided yet whether Britain or America got these islands. They almost had a war over it! But things got settled peacefully, not one shot was fired, and the US ended up with them. We can see Canada from our house.

Here's a shot of my studio during the tour. I grabbed that opportunity to get a shot, since so many people were there! I told them to all look interested in my jewelry, ha ha! They thought it was pretty cool.

Did I mention Maddie turned one year old? Party to follow!

And she has a new playmate, Sally. She is another Havanese, so they are best friends! I take her to her house a couple times a week to romp and play, its too cute.

Here they are playing their sweet hearts out.

That's the latest from Camp Schumacher.

I hope to have some fun news to announce very shortly. I'm working on getting some classes organized in the Seattle area this summer.

I'll let you know pronto!

How is your summer going so far? Would love to hear.

Hugs to all.

Riki

New Fall Class!

2011-05-21T21:47:00.000-07:00

Oh boy, oh boy!

A new class for the fall...making bezels!

Diana Frey and I are sooooo excited to offer this class. It is going to involve a TON of techniques.

If you have been wanting to learn to solder with a torch, work with resin, learn more cold connections, more involved wire techniques, the art of composition and design principles...

this is the class for you!

We are going to make bezels of all sorts, and some from the found objects you bring to the class as well. Then we will fill the bezels with resin and everything from found objects, to photos, to tin types! So much fun.

Mark your calendars, hope to see you there. We'll be teasing you with bezels we make up for the class in the next month or so.

So bring your imagination, a friend, and a sack lunch.

Hope to see you, sign up quickly, space is limited.

(Be sure to hop over to Diana's blog and check out her new design, it is lovely.)

Hugs to all,

Riki

Round Top, Texas Part 3

2011-05-13T10:05:00.000-07:00

Yes, more fun to share!

I have been wanting to get back to sharing a little more about the amazing trip to RT, but life just keeps getting in the way. Soooooo, without further ado....

you might be wondering why pictures of this amazingly sweet apron??

I shared how I met so many new blogging buddies on that trip. One of them was the amazingly talented Karen Valentine, of My Desert Cottage! We did a little exchange...one of my creations for one of hers. Well, was I a winner in that trade!!!

This is her fabulous creation below, and my pictures do not do it justice.

After all the Magnolia Pearl influence, we were all drooling over masses amount of laces, buttons, hand crocheted doiles, all the trimmings. I saw a cute little apron on a gal and thought it would be perfect for my summer shows, to hold money, pen, glasses, etc. And Karen said she could make me one, so we agreed on a trade.

Is this beautiful, or what?? Look at all the detail she did. I love everything. The seams are so sweet, on the outside and cut into little sections.

All the applique, the creativity, the composition. Wow, blew me away. I was doing the happy dance for days!!! And this sweet apron, with my "Pearl", wow. How fun it that going to be?

Look at all the fun detail she included. Karen, you are not only an amazing seamstress and artist, you are a very talented blog designer. So check her site out if you are thinking of any changes on yours, or know a friend who is thinking about designing one!

This is NOT Karen! Ha ha.

This is the infamous (in Texas) Paris Montana. She had a little Airstream parked, where she and her mom, also stunning, slept every night. Many did that. How do you like that outfit? Give burlap a whole new look, huh? Scratchy?? Ewwwe.

One of the hundreds of pics I took of all the goodies on display at a week's worth of shopping. This amazing chatelaine could be yours for a cool $1200. I have never seen one like this...all filigree! Wow, spectacular.

Want it!!

And being the dog lover I am, had to show off these cutie pies. It wasn't all old stuff at this show, there were quite a few breeders there selling their new pups. Are those the sweetest faces?? I wanted them all too! Not as cute as sweet Maddie of course!

And last, but not least, I teased you with a little item I sewed up, and said I sent it off to a secret friend. Well, it was actually hand delivered to Diane Cook. I made up a little jewelry pouch with muslin, vintage lace, wool felt, and stamped it.

I tried to fill every nook and pocket with rhinestones for Diane, because she loves them. I apologize for the quality of the pics, they are horrible. But I wanted you to see what I did. Must have had it on micro, oops.

Here's what the finished product looked like. I was pleased with it, and Diane seemed to love it too. It was a total stretch for me to make something like that, a first.

So that is my March challenge...try something new! I did, and I loved it.

I have an April challenge completed, just need to shoot it. What new thing did you try so far this month? Planning anything??

Thanks for looking.

love and hugs to all

Riki

Round Top, TX Part 2

2011-04-30T20:32:00.000-07:00

Here's a sample of the Round Top goodies!

Where has the time gone?

I promised to show some pics of all the goodies I bought while slaving away in Round Top, going through boxes and boxes of items, on tables, under tables, tucked away places. Every night I was covered with dust head to toe....so much fun!

I started a collection of the sweetest shaker jars, there are about five of them here. I'm going to put small items, like MOP buttons and things like that in them. Aren't they adorable?

I got a huge amount of old hardware, lots of lockets, watches, some bling, stuff like that.

So I have to say, if you LOVE antique shopping with a passion, and don't mind hot weather, and pouring through miles of vendors, this is the place for you, Round Top, Texas. It is an antique lover's delight! This event happens twice a year, and it helps to have a friend who lives near there, to stay with or share a room at a motel with (thank you Diane Cook, you are the best. ) Diane also carefully packed up all these goodies and sent them to me, what a sweetie you are.

More goodies, more lockets. The prices were all over the place. I didn't find any reasonable rosaries, I remember one person said to look for those. I will eventually get some pieces on to Etsy, but need to kind of "live" with them for awhile, you know what I mean. They are like new little children that have come to live with me!

Here's a bracelet I made with one of the little hardware pieces I bought at RT. Love making pieces like this!!

And here is a picture of me today, at an antique show in a small town near us, that my friend, Diana Frey took of me in my Magnolia Pearl!

It is so much fun to wear, and I wondered how it would be received in California! So far so good, got a lot of squeals from a couple of ladies that recognized it immediately, asking if that is what it was. Too much fun to wear. Check out their website, www.MagnoliaPearl.com. Beautiful website.

That's the "rest of the story". Go to Round Top if you get a chance. Make it happen!
I'm just about done making a gigantic amount of jewelry for my shows this summer, but are we ever "done"? Of course not, and I have a LOT of pieces to use now!

Thanks to all those who have purchased a kit. I'm working on a new one, hope to get it out in a couple of weeks, we'll see.

Thanks everyone, hugs to you.

Riki

A Week in Round Top, TX

2011-04-05T18:42:00.000-07:00

Yeeeeeee haw! Imagine this....

a full day of nothing but shopping for antiques and found objects, bling and beads, with friends, then eating great meals, playing and no work! You get up the next morning, and start all over again, for a whole week!

That's what it was like in Round Top, Texas. As you can see from the pics, we had no fun whatsoever! Round Top is just one of the cities that takes part in this event. There are a number of surrounding little cities, with hundreds of vendors, buildings and tents, at all of them.

I made some wonderful new blogging friends. This is a great group shot of the gang I hung out with. From the top left, Sandy Navarro, Charlene Gray, Susie Hibdon, Karen Valentine, Joy Campbell. Next row is lovely Rita Blanks, Cindy Crain, me, and the darling Diane Cook, my hostess for the week.

Thanks for your warm Texas hospitality to those of us visiting ladies. A handful of us traveled from California, and Arizona.

Here is a typical lunch, with Texas sized ice tea, with free refills. I must have filled that thing up about four times on the 91 degree day. I almost melted! But luckily, the weather improved. Man was it hot and dry. Then it rained, of course!

Here's Diane shooting one of our favorite Lace Lady booths. This is a typical booth under a tent, and the tents went on for miles! If you found something you liked, you had to get it then, because you might not find that booth again! Or at least I couldn't.

I just loved this mirror! What a great idea, to attach vintage baby shoes to a round mirror! So darn clever.

There are so many shots I took, it was hard to choose. So many booths went to a lot of work creating those special touches, eye candy everywhere.

Here is Diane set up for a blog party on Sunday night. Doesn't her display look wonderful?

Beautiful job Diane. This woman is a saint, putting up with me for so many days, and is married to the nicest man on earth! Thank you Allen, hope to return the hospitality one day soon. Love you guys.

Have ya'all heard of Magnolia Pearl?

NO???

Well, I had heard of it, but didn't really understand the attraction to the clothing, until I saw it in person.

I fell in LOVE, deep love, expensive LOVE if you know what I mean?

The lady that owns and designs this line of clothing, knows the art of display. I could have taken a hundred shots in her booth (which was six stalls, not one).

This sign is painted metal, with lights, and LOTS of burlap, everywhere.

This dress form with wings, was set up outside of her display, with live doves. Is that cool or what? Her theme this year was birds, so there were live birds everywhere.

This is Robin of Magnolia Pearl, with Susie (Vintage Susie) who helped me redo my blog. I coined the phrase "getting Pearled" after buying some of her fun pieces. Check out the website for a lot of romantic clothing, and darling models.

Sorry for not posting about this sooner, a cold got hold of me and tried to rip me apart when I got back last Wednesday. I'm finally able to concentrate, and share the story.

I have some pics of some of the goodies I bought. They were hard earned, pawing through hundreds of booths, boxes, dust and then negotiating for a fair prices. Whew. "I'm just sayin"... (that's Texas talk) I was tired by the end of seven days.

A Weeks Worth

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

What an amazing week!

Every now and then, you are rewarded with kindness, for no apparent reason. That's how this week has been. The sweetest lady, Shannon Levart, from missficklemedia.com, saw my etched hinged cuff kit in my Etsy store, and decided to submit a post about it on Art Bead Scene. You can see it here. I can't tell you how honored I was, it blew me away. And as a result, a great number of kits sold because of it. All I can say is thank you Shannon, for your help AND encouragement. I had never offered a kit before, along with a tutorial, and thanks to those who have purchased it. Please send me photos of your cuffs, so I can post the photos!

You rock Shannon. Your kindness was amazing.

Wow!

So, I wanted to come up with some fun idea for mailing out my kits. I borrowed this technique from Ruth Rae's book, and used heavy paper to wrap the kit, then sewed the ends. Everyone has really had fun getting it, and the post office lady is most impressed with my creativity!

So since my muse was working this week, I decided to make a fun surprise for a friend. I mailed it off, and can't say who this went to, but here's a little sneak peak. I'll post all the pics of this sweet project after she receives it.

The surprise is made up from some of my friends Lisa Jurist's sari silk, a vintage mop button, coffee stained lace, and hand stamped muslin. This was too much fun to make. Oh, that sewing muse has it's hold on me!

Next week I'm off to Round Top, Texas to shop until I drop for antiques! I am meeting up with my good friend and art sister, Diane Cook, Rosa & Josies. She lives in Texas, and is kind enough to take me under her wing for seven days. This is going to be an amazing scene. If you haven't heard of it, imagine miles of fields, multiple towns, with a multitude of vendors, all selling antiques!! Drooling yet? I am!

So here's your chance to tell me what you would like me to bring back for you??

How about you guys leave me a little wish list note, and when I get back, I'll list some of those goodies in my Etsy store if I can find them? What do you think??

I blast out of here early Wednesday morning, so get your wish list in early!

Hugs to all.

Riki

Maddie Graduates

2011-03-08T20:40:00.000-08:00

Miss Maddie Graduates

from Puppy Training

Okay, I'm going to go on for a minute or two about my sweet baby, and her accomplishments! Just when you think you'll never be able to fall in love again, yes Charlene, you do! And we have with our sweet Maddie girl. She's 9 months now, can you believe it? And here is her graduation picture from last night, at Petsmart. She passed with flying colors, amidst the screaming children, numerous dogs, and a list of distracting noises going on in the store! When I say flying colors....she did tricks she has learned at the end of it all!

What an accomplished little smart thing. I can't believe how acrobatic these little Havanese dogs are. Our Yorkie, Chester, did tricks, but she learned a couple in a week!

Enough about my little graduate!! I'm so proud!

I had my muse visit the last couple of days, with new ideas for summer inventory.

I shot a few pics for you guys to see what I'm doing this week.

Taking my rubber cords covered in silk, and wrapping them with some of the beautiful sari silks from my friend Lisa over at Mud Hound Studio. They are so yummy, I've been collecting a few here and there, and am finally using them.

Then I have been weaving in some tea stained vintage lace, with some vintage mop buttons, glass pearls, a bit of bling!

And these last two amazing pewter focals are from Lynn Davis at LLYYNN. If you like vintage cast pieces in pewter, you will love Lynn's work.

So what do you think of my new, sweet little creations?

My little graduate is laying at my feet at this moment, by the fire, from a job well done. It takes a lot out of a girl to go to school and show off!

Hugs to you.

Riki

Queen for a Day class

2011-03-03T12:38:00.000-08:00

We crowned our ladies!

They came, they made crowns and boxes, and had a ball! What a talented group we had last weekend, and so much fun. I loved it, and so did Diana. It was a quaint class this time, so they got way too much of us!

Here's a picture of the crowns they made for the boxes they etched. Didn't they do a great job? I was so proud. Those crowns are made from scratch, and soldered on to the boxes! Yowza!

Here's our lovely group. Me, Diana, Kashet, Connie, Bridgette and Carrie.

Added bonus with small class!

Since we had so few students, they saw a little bird house I had made, and wanted to make one as well. So we did, and they are sooooo cute guys, great job. Challenging, I must say! We ran out of time to get the birds in, they get to do that at home.

Thanks for taking a look.

Diana and I have great things planned for the fall class together. I think it will involve PMC, mixed media and some other wonderful things. So plan your pennies for October and stay tuned for an announcement in the next couple of months.

Would love for you to join us!

Which project to you like best??

I listed another tutorial and a couple of Hinged Cuff bracelets on my Etsy store. The first ones flew out yesterday! Thank you Alice!

Take care,

Riki

February Wrap Up

2011-03-01T18:11:00.000-08:00

My new things for February!

Wow, I can't believe its been so long since I've posted. But today is one of the first days I've had to come up for air. February was filled with a couple of classes I took, grand daughters for a week, taught a two day class, gem show....and here we are....March!!

In keeping up with my New Year's Resolutions, or challenges I guess, I promised myself to try something new each month. February was weaving with metal.

I was lucky enough to take a two workshops with the talented Mary Hettmansperger, author of many books, including Wrap, Stich, Fold and Rivet, a wonderful book. She's a wonderful teacher, filled with talent, and a hoot to boot. And her background is weaving, so she brings that knowledge to the jewelry world, and teaches how to weave with metal. It took me awhile to get my head "wrapped" (sorry) around the method, but I was pretty smitten with the outcome. I didn't have anything to weave around, I know, hard to believe, but I had to buy this at the store where we took the class, Creative Castle. Its an amazing crystal, and worked great for this project. Mary showed me how to weave the bail too!

Fun huh? The second day was a torch fired enamel class, which I had tried before. But hadn't added gold leaf or silver before, and that was toooooo much fun.

I got to take the class with a couple of my dearest friends, Diana Frey and Stephanie Gorman. It was too much fun.

Thanks for insisting on another photo Diana, it turned out great! That's Steff on the far left, Mary, me and Diana. Poor Mary, we wore her out! Ha ha.

And, I have some fun news. I just listed a kit to make the fun hinged cuff on my Esty store. Its everything you need. I even included etched metal, with a French flare. This is perfect for the royalty in you!

I also included one of my new sweet bird gift bags. You can regift this sweet thing, or keep it for something special.

There is a tutorial listed as well, in case you are interested in just that.

This last weekend Diana and I taught our Queen for a Day class. It was small and fabulous. I'll post photos of everyone's darling projects soon. Nana is beat right now!!

Hugs to everyone, miss you guys.

I'm in an on line Auction!

2011-02-03T08:16:00.000-08:00

This is pretty exciting!

I am part of a wonderful artist group called the San Juan Island Artists' Studio Tour, which happens on San Juan Island, WA from June 4-5, 2011. It is self guided tour, of artist's studios all over the island.

This is our 20th year celebration, and in honor of that, we are going to have 20 studios hosting their art, and over 43 artists. VERY COOL!

Because of the big "to-do", we had the opportunity to tie in to a promotion with the fabulous Public Radio station in Seattle, KPLU.

I donated one of my fun necklaces, with pretty pinks and vintage buttons. And YOU have the opportunity to bid on it, and all the other items our wonderful artists donated.

How can you bid on this item?

Click this link.

KPLU Auction February 10-19, 2011

I am so proud of our artist group, and them stepping up to donate such wonderful items. There are beautiful oil paintings, fused glass, hand died silk, porcelain pottery, all kinds of amazing work. We are asking that the winning bidders pick their item up at the Artist's Tour, but some items may be mailed.

Hopefully you'll have a chance to take a look at the auction, and bid on some items you love.

Hug and love to all! Hope you're making something you love today.

Riki

Resolution for January

2011-01-14T14:12:00.000-08:00

January....check!

I made a pretty big list of resolutions. One is to try something new each month, really challenge myself.

Am I really up for this each month?

Oh, why not!

I got this book out, The Mary Brooks Picken book, to take pictures on, for this post. Maybe I should have read it, to educate me for my January challenge!?

I posted that one of my resolutions was to challenge myself to one new thing a month. I said in jewelry, but I'm altering that...to anything new related to art.

I met my challenge this month with some sewing challenges!

I wanted to make some pretty packets for my fun rhinestone necklaces that I made for a store. I am hoping that when the ladies buy one of the vintage beauties, and given the sweet envelope of felt, maybe they will store and travel with the necklace inside, to protect it??

Hope so!

And here is the back, each one is different. I dug out all kinds of goodies I've been saving up, and hit a local fabric store for some more goodies. I was inspired by Ruth Rae, and her free form sewing methods, and have her fabulous book. Okay, these are new and challenged me.

But.... I tried something really new for the first time.

I entered a sewing swap! My first ever.

Debbie Hembree organized it over at Mosaic Magpie, one of my favorite artists.

It is a Heart Swap from the Heart. I'm a bit intimidated by this, not being a seamstress!

BUT, I challenged myself, since I put that in writing for the world to see.

This is a picture of the casing for my Heart piece.

I hand died the muslin, into a soft, beautiful blue. I went out and bought Ritz dye, something I've never bought. YEAH!

The rich brown Sari silk attached was purchased from Lisa Jurist, of Mudhound Studio, another one of my favorite artists.

Stop by and visit her blog, she has a contest going on right now!

And this is just a tease of my Heart for the swap.

Of course a spot of bling!

What has happened to me?? Maybe I always loved bling, just didn't let the bling out.

Get the bling out girls, let it out and show it off!

Okay, what have you tried new so far this year??

Lots of love,

Riki

A FURRY TAIL - Contest Winner!

2011-01-10T09:57:00.000-08:00

A FURRY TAIL

The Contest Winner

Once upon a time....

I met a sweet angel at six weeks. We picked her out on line, since we wanted a female Havanese, and Brindle in color. How could you not love this face. She was the perfect dog.

We got to pick her up at 9 weeks, so excited to have a new baby in the house!!

What an innocent face.

She has grown into an amazing young lady, of 7 months now.

She's much more capable of playing...running...jumping...and....

(hang in there, the winning name is coming)

destroying my list of names for the contest!

Not so innocent now, huh? Ha ha!

Okay, I have to admit, I was a bit ticked. She got yelled at, we had a very serious conversation, for about three seconds, then she ran to the next thing!

Hang in there, the winning name is coming!

So, I got the bright idea of taping it back together, since I worked on this list every night for a week, being so careful to be accurate, and correct with every entry. And thank you to SO many who posted the contest on your blog. Many thanks!

Okay here it is!

I am so happy to announce the winner of my contest is (drum roll please).....

Cat of In the Light of the Moon

I used this website to pick the name for me, snappy easy peasy!

Congratulations Cat! I hope you enjoy all your goodies!

Please email me your address and I'll get it sent to you asap.

Thanks to all you wonderful folks who entered. I was blown away at the response, I mean really blown away. I was happy to offer these goodies, and look at the new friends we all made.

Good luck on all your resolutions you shared, words for the year you picked, challenges you want to meet head on, and aspirations for those who don't make resolutions. There seems to be a common thread throughout...

more art, less worry, more play, more organization.

Story of my life.

And the other story of my life, Life with Miss Maddie,

continues on.

They lived happily ever after!

Love and Hugs to all.

Riki

New Year's Contest

2011-01-01T17:11:00.000-08:00

Yes, New Year's Calls!

New blog look, new year, new friends, new challenges!!!

That means it's giveaway time dear friends....

I put a sweet little pile of hand picked goodies in the giveaway for you. Hopefully, something for everyone. There are cdv's, a tin type, antique buttons, vintage lace, some of that bling I've been talking about, antique keys, some large bullet cases, a vintage doily for sewing enthusiasts, a COPY of a sheet of hand writing my dear friend Jill brought back for me from Italy just recently...

AND, two fun items I made, a sweet brass etched box, with a fleur de lis and French writing, and a brass stamping with a little nest soldered to it, ready to make a necklace.

Sweet vintage glass buttons, glass drop pearls.

A close up of the amazing hand written letter from Italy, it is a copy mind you, but beautiful. Fun for scraping, or putting behind resin.

SO...

this is the beginning of a New Year for all of us, a new start for all of us. My heart goes out to those who have struggled at some time in the past year. I hope all your challenges have been met and dealt with, and you landed on top of each one.

I am personally glad this year is behind me. I had to deal with some tough things. Family issues, and the loss of my dear Yorkie, Chester. I was able to get past it all, heal from the hurt and bring a new love into our lives, little Miss Maddie the Havanese. I discovered so many things about myself from the disappointments throughout the year. That is such a benefit, learning from the pain.

All is behind us now. Let's play!

To enter this little giveaway, leave me a comment below so I know you want to be entered. If you post this on your blog, please let me know, you get two opportunities. The contest closes and I'll do the drawing on Monday, January 10.

Let's make it a party. You are all invited. To play at the party, leave a New Year's resolution in your comment below.

Come on, write it out so everyone can see it!!

I guarantee you will do it then!!

Riki's New Year's resolutions:

play with my dog more
just play more
be more organized in my bookwork for my business (yes it is a business)
try 12 new things in my jewelry designs, never used before, one per month (join me in that?)
exercise at least 30 minutes each day
try to cut out all sugar (not wine!)
give support to friends and family
never be judgmental, you don't know the whole story

Thank you to each and every one of your who reached out to me during this past year. I love hearing from you, loved your support, loved the sharing and learning more about you.

And a VERY special thank you to Susie, of Vintage Susie, who designed my new, fresh, feminine and clean blog for me. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it. If you feel like a new look for 2011, look her up! She is not only talented, but especially sweet and kind.

Have a very Happy New Year. May it bring you good luck and much happiness.

See you soon. Good luck!

love and hugs,

Riki

Under Construction!

2010-12-29T12:47:00.001-08:00

I'm under construction!

For the next few days, I'm working with some talented folks to rework my blog!

So if you've landed here, and it looks all messed up,

(it's on purpose)!

New look to be seen soon, followed by a New Year party and celebration.

Yes, that means a fun GIVEAWAY to come, celebrating a new year, new blog look, new friends, new fun, new doggie, new exercise program, new....well, you get the idea!

So come back soon to see!!

Hugs,

Riki

2010-12-19T17:17:00.001-08:00

The Family Portrait

Before we left the island in September, we had a great friend of ours, and talented photographer, Mark Gardener, shoot our portrait. This is one of those things WH and I always meant to do with our sweet Chester, and never did. Amazing how time slips away so quickly. So this time around, no regrets...with baby Maddie being only 3 months old, we took the plunge.

I'm so glad we did. She's 7 months old the end of December, and looks completely different.

Boy does time fly quickly.

Have a wonderful holiday each and every one of you. I wish we could all be together to bring in the New year, now wouldn't that be a party?

Much love and hugs,

Riki

Box Number Two

2010-12-14T12:57:00.000-08:00

My second box!

Oh, you just have to try making one of these boxes. If you have all day and the patience of a saint! Ha ha. I'm hoping they get easier, but the precision is for sure a test of everything I know how to do.

This little sweetie is made using some of that brass lamp wire stuff. Now there's a challenge. You have to be careful not to burn it up when attaching.

What do you think? Like the effect?

So, I probably won't be making a ton of these, but for now, my muse is sitting on my shoulder (thanks to Lynn Davis for reminding me of her) and we'll see how long she visits.

Oh its fun to try new things!! And have the time! I know I should be addressing envelopes, going Christmas shopping, you get the idea. But I think you need to grab the mojo when its flowing!! Don't you?

Happy Holidays everyone.

Housekeeping things...I just listed more items on my Etsy store, and remember, through the month of December, you get 20% off when you enter my code. Thank you to all who have purchased items, I hope your recipients LOVE them.

AND...Diana Frey and I have lots of room for the upcoming workshop in February, Queen for a Day. It will be at my house again, in Pismo Beach, CA. I just got an email from someone who signed up, her WH gave it to her for Christmas...hmmmm. Now is that a great idea or what? Flyer is on the sidebar, hope you can make it.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE.

Lots of Love,

Riki

2010-12-12T11:32:00.001-08:00

I finished my first box!

Or kind of have. I just completed my second on-line course with Stephanie Lee, who is a genius a fabulous teacher, and incredibly talented I must say! The last week of the course was about how to build a box from scratch, using sheet metal and solder.

I LOVE boxes, always have. Don't know if that is a huge flaw in my personality, or just a fetish! But none the less, love them. Sooooo, after making many etched, pre-made boxes, and adding some fun decor, I finally got to try my skills at hand building one.

I'm hooked! It is too much fun. You have to be incredibly precise, and strong! And of course I couldn't start out small, like Stephanie suggested. This one is 5" x 3", made from sheet copper. I had a ton of copper, and its less expensive than nickel or brass. And I was too excited to etch first, which would be beautiful, so I just hammered the heck out of the sides. Turned out pretty cool.

Making the lid fit was a brain teaser. This is where precision in everything come in to play. And I wasn't, so it took me way longer than it should have. But I learned a lot!

I plan to adorn it with some fun things on top, then it will shine. Bling you ask??

Of course!

So there you have it. That is my big accomplishment for the weekend. I'm so proud, feel like a created a little baby! Glad it didn't take as long!

AND, some housekeeping. There are some wonderful giveaways posted on my side bar, please go look. And don't forget about my sale in my Etsy shop, everything is still 20% off, and it flying out!!

Just enter the code DECEMBERSALE20.

So if you have your little eye on something that fancies you, grab it! Or let Santa know right away!

Happy creating everyone.

Hugs,

Riki

December sale

2010-11-30T11:37:00.000-08:00

A SALE!

Happy Holidays!

First things first.

Just posted a 20% off coupon for all purchases in my Etsy store, throughout the month of December. Thought one of you ladies might want to take advantage of some savings, and buy a gift for someone special...like yourself!!

So be sure and visit my Etsy store. Offer good while supply lasts.

And thought you might like to see little Maddie after her first hair cut!

She is too darn cute. She's 6 months old already, and going in to become a woman this week, no puppies for her.

Hope your Christmas shopping is painless this year!

Lots of love,

Riki

Thanksgiving was fabulous

2010-11-26T08:21:00.001-08:00

BUTTER HORN ROLLS ROCK!

And so does WH! (That's Wonderful Husband for those who don't know.)

We got brave this Thanksgiving. First we bought a bread machine, thinking how cool it would be to make home made breads and rolls this holiday season. I was so excited to make my mom's 1930's recipe of butter horn rolls, I had never made them. Just watched her do it a hundred times, you've been there I'm sure.

So....we got the bread machine home, bought all the ingredients, and were ready to make it happen. Then, it occured to us that there were some VERY strange things in the recipe, that didn't match up with what ingredients we had???

For instance, "scalded milk"? A "cake yeast"? Hmmm.

I'll give you the recipe below, even though my sister reminded me this is a guarded family secret, so you can print it out, because after working with the instructions of a new, never used bread machine, AND altering the directions of a 1930's recipe that is a winner,

we created the most wonderful, light, mouth watering home made rolls you could ever make!

I felt like a kid again.

The aroma of these sweet rolls backing and the turkey with sage rubbed all over it was over the top.

I apologize for the for the out of focus photos, we were just in too much a hurry, and having to much fun to think about the focus factor! But you get the picture, ha ha.

I hope each of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I was certainly thankful for so many amazing things. Thank you, each and every one of you for following my adventures. And now for the recipe!!

Butter Horn Rolls

1 cake yeast (we used dry from a packet for a bread machine, so no need to disolve first)

1 tablespoon warm water

1 tablespoon sugar

3 eggs

1 c. milk, scaled (don't worry about that, no need to scald, old idea)

1/2 c. sugar

1/2 c. butter

4 c. flour (we used bread flour for the machine)

1 teaspoon salt

(If you don't use a bread machine, you can follow these directions for the yeast)

Mash yeast in a bowl. Dissolve in 1 T. warm water, sprinkle over it 1 T. sugar. Beat with 3 eggs. Add milk (no need to scald now, its all pasteurized). Add butter, melt in milk. Add to mixture luke warm. Add 1/2 c. sugar, 4 c. flour, 1 t. salt. Mix to a soft dough (this is where we let the bread machine do it, and added the dry yeast to the top of the ingredients inside the machine).

Let dough rise until light, about 3-4 hours. When light, divide in half and roll out each half into a 9"-10" circle. Brush the circles with melted butter, cut each circle into 16 parts. Roll each piece beginning with the widest end. This should make 32 rolls.

Place on greased cookie sheet. Brush with melted butter. Cover with a dry cloth. Let rise until very light, another 3-4 hours. Bake in ot oven 375-400 degrees until brown (about 10 minutes).

TIP: to quick raise rolls or dough, heat oven for 1 MINUTE ONLY, at 400 degrees. Place rolls, covered with cloth, in oven. Should be doubled in about half the normal time.

Have fun, enjoy the recipe!

Hugs to all,

Riki

How is it made?

2010-11-22T22:25:00.001-08:00

How are the fun bling necklaces created?

This pile of goodies, found by searching the countryside over for months....a little box filled with treasures, ones that were hand picked and negotiated,

combined with....

bling, my tray full of bling...

from the many trips to lots of Antique shows,

scattered far and wide all over the place...

results in this!

Thought you might like to see how these come together.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone.

Hugs and love,

Riki

More bling

2010-11-20T16:38:00.001-08:00

Fall is setting in....

and as it starts to settle in, and there is less daylight, for some reason my inspiration is getting stronger. Maybe it isn't Fall at all, but just getting past all the worry for the economy and loved ones, don't know.

How is YOUR inspiration right now?

Just as there is less daylight, and more rain, I seem to be burrowing into the studio. Are you experiencing this too?

Here's another fun piece, using one of the many rhinestone necklaces I bought at the Alameda Antique fair near Oakland, CA awhile back. I have so many found objects, its getting more difficult to figure out where to put them all, be able to see them, and make them mobile to move twice a year. Clear plastic storage containers seem to work. But I've laid out all the bling necklaces on a beautiful silver platter. I'll have to show you one day.

So, good luck on the creative juices everyone.

Hope fall is having the same affect on you.

Are you cooking for Thanksgiving? I am, the whole kit and kaboodle. Looking forward to it, since I haven't done it in a few years. We bought a bread maker and I am attempting my mom's 1930's butterhorn roll recipe! Yikes! Wish me luck!

And good luck to all of you who are cooking.

We all have a lot to be thankful for this holiday. I know I am.

I wish you a safe and delicious holiday!

Hugs and love to all.

Riki

Falling in love

2010-11-12T19:54:00.000-08:00

Have you fallen knock down, drag out,

in love recently?

I have!

After losing sweet Chester in April, I just wasn't sure about getting another pup. Then WH said I should, since I was devastated, and thought I was losing my mind. Funny thing about grief, and those of you who have experienced it, know exactly how it affects you. You can't concentrate, or focus, you know the routine. That's a different kind of stress than my recent worry stress. But they both try to get the best of you, but you can't let it!

But, when is the right time to get another little pal? How long should you wait?

My answer is get one when you need to. Pretty simple.

Don't worry about the length of time.

So little Maddie came into our lives. Is she cute or what, with her little teal bow, to match mom's teal hair!! Ha ha.

The comments you left for me in a recent post regarding worrying for my loved ones, will stay with me for a long time. Such wonderful insight, sharing and caring. I want to think I can handle everything, be Super Woman, not let anything get to me. Be able to shake everything off.

Wrong.

This economy is coming at everyone with double barrels. It's affecting everyone, in one way or another. I think it's okay to talk about these things, and how we're feeling. I was hoping it would help others, and I think it did from the responses.

We're all going to get through the tough times. Goodness knows I've had my troubles, and things work themselves out, one way or another.

On one last note, just wanted to say I'm back in the saddle creating again. It feels so good.

How are you doing? Make something that makes you smile, it feels great.

Love and hugs to you.

Riki