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.