Artsy Bracelets

 

For the upcoming shows I'm participating in I made some cool choices for lower priced items in my booth.  It's always a struggle for me to shift modes and create these type of items.  Not too many people buy paintings at the holidays.  I've never had luck with selling prints.  Buyers these days are looking for unique gifty items.  In-particular, gifts that are $30 and under AND unique.  A combination that as an artist is sometimes hard to full-fill and still be able to make a profit.   

Marist Holiday Traditions is first up and I can not wait!  These bracelets priced at $30 each, I hope will fly off my displays!  I also have necklaces with the same type images on really nice chains and key chains.  All of which will make a lovely display and all compliment the selection of original works of art I'll have for sale at the shows.  Of course, I've got to paint some to sell at this point.  haha..been working so much in the studio on the weekends making these baubles that the painting pile is not so tall.  But I've been sketching in my free time and the ideas are there.  I just have to carve out new time for painting.  Looking forward to it.

Oh...and the Marist Holiday Traditions show is Saturday, October 26th.  At the Marist School in Atlanta.  It's a great show you'll want to attend.  Hope you mark your calendars for it!!

Playing with Wax Again

I realized last week I didn't post one thing really...well except that I wasn't feeling well.  Thus why I didn't post anything.  Duh Jenni.  Still not up to par.  Which kinda freaks me out since there are miles to be run.  No really, miles.  Anyhoo....while under house arrest I was able to finish up the encaustic pendants I started!  Yeah!!

At least once a year I get ants in my pants to create with encaustic.  It's a technique that I learned in an R&F Paints workshop with my friend Valerie (AKA Gillyweed on FB) many moons ago.  She actually instructs waxy workshops at Corner Arts in downtown Newnan if you are ever interested in learning about the medium.

A few years back while in the middle of creating encaustic paintings I had a thought that maybe I could fill tiny bezels with the wax and make jewelry out of them.  I'm always seeking that unique item to sell at shows that won't break your pocketbook (or mine in the making!).  And it worked!  I made a ton, sold a ton and that was it.  Fast forward two years or so and I decided it was time to try again.  You see, I've two holiday shows this year I want to be really successful.  Plus to be honest I want to get that dreadful Etsy shop back up to snuff.  It's just pitiful the attention I pay it.  And after a nice little run with Ebay I've got a little itch to get back.  Little.   

The only thing is the pendants I made 2 years ago I never sealed with anything.  And after the melted painting in the van episode I decided to take drastic measures.  These now have a layer of resin on top. The above one is prior to resin.  It worked great, the pendants are now safe and will not melt hot wax down your cleavage.  Score right?  Unless hot wax down the cleavage is your type of thing.  NO judging.  Ha. 

This one is of course my favorite.  I didn't stamp on too many, but kinda wishing I did looking at this now.  It looks like my tattoo right?  Hmmm...maybe I should add a word when I go to Portland in April?  Oh yeah....BTW I'm teaching at Art and Soul in Portland, OR in April!!  Super excited.  It's April 7th and 8th.  Check out the site:  Art and Soul Retreat.  If you are nearby maybe you can come!!  Mailey will be my side kick.  So if you are going be sure to let me know so we can all hook up for dinner!

Texture Cuff

Ahh...the weekends.  Very different for us right now without our William playing travel baseball.  I kinda miss it, the interactions with other humans and watching him play.  But man.....it was really nice having a weekend to do, well.....NOTHING.  Saturday morning I woke and got my 14 mile run over with before anyone was up.  It was perfect weather.  A little misty rain the entire time with the bottom falling out right at the end.   I tried the audio book and that was awesome.  2.5 hours flew by.  No really.   Here's proof I survived the longest run in the history of my 41 years.  This picture cracks me up.  I look like a bobble head!

 I'd jokingly put a box of Gluten Free pancake mix on the counter the night before and said to Billy, "You can make these for me tomorrow if you want."  (Just a little background, Billy is the pancake man.  He loves making them for all of us.  I bought the GF because I have to limit my wheat intake the rest of my life.  To be honest, everything GF I've eaten so far has tasted better than wheat products.  Even Billy agreed the pancakes were amazing.)  Seeing my man in the kitchen makes me all smitten with him again.  It's the little things when ya been together 22 years.

After a hot shower and a movie with William (We watched Oblivion which totally sucked.  I was like what?  What was that about again?   Don't waste your rental mola.) I headed on down to the studio for some art making.  I took an online class with Claudine Hellmuth this past month.  It was a month of techniques....a lot a techniques I have to add.  One stood out to me and so I trotted off to buy the supplies for it last Monday.  I mean what the heck....it's not like I don't have enough art supplies in my studio right?  It was called faux leather I think.  Using sticky back canvas and embossing powder.  And although I enjoyed the technique and it pushed my thinking, the stencils were a pain, expensive and limiting.  I made a bunch, which I'll sell.  But I kept thinking there has to be a better way......

So my wheels started spinning and I thought, can I use embossing powder on leather?  Why yes Jenni, you can.  And so this happened:

 And then these happened.

 And now I am kicking myself for the binge clean out where I got rid of all but these 8 leather cuffs.

I never got back into the studio to finish adding the metal stampings to the embossed cuffs.  Next weekend I hope to get back.  Mostly after the few hours in the studio I laid around the house.  Sunday was church and more laying around.  William and I Sunday rented another movie in which both of us fell asleep during.  Hilarious right?  Billy and Mailey just piddled all day while we snoozed.  William actually slept I think about 5 hours.  Football is kicking his booty.  Mine too obviously.  Haha...actually I'm pretty sure my napping was due to the 2nd week of school exhaustion and my running schedule. 

So....big week ahead.  Open House for me and the kids, Football Jamboree and more.  Oh and after school art classes start back this week too.  Pretty sure I won't be back here until next week.  So have an awesome creative week!

Making New Jewelry

Originally posted 1.7.09
I've never thought of myself as a jewelry maker. I dabble in many things....and jewelry making would be one of them. Mostly I like to make things for myself to wear that no one else has. Then Vero at The Naked Art Gallery saw my nesting jewelry series in a blog post and asked if I wanted to sign on at her gallery as a jewelry artist. Right now she carries my paintings and porcelain jewelry line like below. The porcelain has my original paintings embedded into them with a bail glued on. Not really much thought to making those. Like mini paintings on your neck! And ears!

The nesting series I did a few months back was tedious but quite rewarding for me. First, not one piece was alike. I made about 10 pairs of earrings and 2 necklaces from these nest-like beads I found in New York. It took me hours to put them all together. So today I have 3 pairs of earrings left and 3 rings. I hand delivered them to Vero last week and her first reply was, "You are making more?" Well, you see those beads came from NY, and I have no idea where. So today I ventured into etsy and put in...materials....findings....and guess what? I think about 10000000 hits came up. Yikes! I opened the first shop that looked appealing called PatinaQueen. And there I became so inspired that I can't wait to put my new series together. Since I paint mostly birds and their environments I think my jewelry should reflect this as well. Everything I chose was brown, teal, turquoise, amazing greens, and a dab of pink. I already know the line's name, "Nestlings". So be looking for a new post soon with some sweet birds and nests that you can wear similar to those below.

Movie...Paint...Movie...Jewelry....Movie

In junk stores, antique stores and thrifty stores I am VERY drawn to this type of appliqued items:

I have absolutely no idea what the official applique technique is called.  It comes in many forms including pillows, wall hangings, clocks, etc. at very affordable prices.  While cruising through some magazines the other day I saw an idea where the artist took a cross-stitched piece, placed it in a bezel pendant and made a necklace out of it.  AH HA!  And the idea started brewing.  And this is the outcome:

This was not an easy thing to make.  Had I kept the article about how they placed the fabric goody into the bezel I might had faired a little better, but alas, I have no idea what magazine it was in and most likely it's still at Barnes and Noble.  After two failed attempts I was able to snugly fit this little piece of sweet applique into the bezel.  I then chain link connected some peachy beads, added the black chain and voila!  A fun new accessory for my jewelry drawer.  Yep.  I am really bad about making something and wearing it a bit before deciding to mass produce.  Feedback is everything for me when making jewelry.   See below the necklace on the left?

I know, it's really pretty.........still wearing it myself and keeping it in view to remind me that others just might be willing to buy and wear one too!  I'll keep you posted if they find their way to my etsy shop.

BTW, been painting away here.  Normally this is a very busy time for our family (being political and all on an election year).  But we've got a puny kiddo so I got to use that excuse to stay home and catch up!  It has been such a wonderful day......watch a movie, paint, watch a movie, make jewelry, watch a movie, blog.....yep.  Billy just went to get steaks and salad.  So next up....movie, dinner, movie.  How about you?

Time to Relax

I just wanted to pop in and say that the kiddos and I are headed to Alabama for a little R&R.  My Dad and his sweet wife have recently purchased an AMAZING fish camp that we are really looking forward to kicking back in.  And Mailey says she's ready to try skiing!!  In the ski boat above she's sure to have some luck!

On a totally separate note, I had planned on taking my computer to keep up and say "HI!", however, last night while working on my copper blanks I uh....had a little slip with the drill.  And now I have a nice hole through my nail and finger.  Yep.  Ouch.  And cringe if you want.  I am literally having to peck out the words because middle finger can not touch anything!  I am debating the tetanus...I can not believe I did this!!!urgh.

New on the Horizon

Sometimes things just come together so nicely. While cleaning out the studio I found this little silver bezel that Valerie gave me to try with my porcelain pendants months ago. I never really liked the shiny silver patina, so I never pursued finishing off my pendants in this manner. But now, I have potions....fabulous potions that make shiny things very dingy, very quick. And now, well let's just say I am anxiously waiting for my round and square bezels to arrive from China!! Here's the sample of what's to come:

Today I headed to my new favorite bead shop and stocked up on all the beads and shiny silver findings I need to complete the necklaces. I have about 20 shiny bezels (see below) I've ordered and received already. Now I need to cut wire and chain, magic potion the parts then wire the beads together for the chain. The bezel will also be darkened and my artwork carefully placed into the bezel for a very new look with my jewelry. I am just about beside myself with the outcome and can't wait to start putting them all together! Hopefully I'll have some available by mid-June in my Etsy shop. But really they are the icing on the cake for my SOLO ART SHOW. Yep. A very big thingy I've been wanting to share with you bloggers for a year now. And now, it's almost HERE! Yahooo!!! More details very soon on the show. For now, let's just drool over the candy drop beads in this jar why don't we?

Going to Emerald City

So here's what I've been thinking about..... The Wizard of Oz. Dorothy and her three new friends joyfully made their way to Emerald City in hopes of seeing the Great Wizard of Oz. Each thought they needed something they didn't have. A little courage, a little heart, a little brains, and a way back home to family. Only that darn Toto revealed from behind the velvet curtain that the Wizard was really no wizard at all. Just an ordinary man. And yet, this man revealed to the friends that what they were searching for rested within them already. Now, he did give them each a token to remember this....I think it was a diploma for Scarecrow, a badge of courage for lion and something hearty for Tin Man (I've watched that movie literally 40 times and can not remember what he gave Tin Man.) So this jewelry I've been making, it's a little like the Wizard has revealed himself to me from behind the velvet curtain. The words are gentle reminders for you to wear....you probably already know these things about yourself. But it's nice to see the words and be reminded.

I do hope you like what I've been creating here for you. It's my way of expressing my inner self. Because every time I pound out a word it just reaffirms for me what I already know is inside and gently reminds me that I can be more........

What is Up With My Mood?

Seriously folks, my mood has been less than appealing this past week. I'm cranky, tired all the time (napping, ME napping!), the thought of being in the studio makes me cringe, and the only thing I want to eat are Girl Scout Cookies. Yep. Something has got my goat........So yesterday after working out I decide magazine therapy is in order. I headed over to Books a Million, bought a nice hot latte, and selected everything off the shelves that looked enticing. I literally can escape to magical places while reading artsy magazines. I sip and smile as page after page begins to spark my creative soul. Folks, I am here to tell you there are so many talented people out there, I just get giggly thinking about how they become inspired to make what they do. The last magazine I cruised was the latest Belle Armoire Jewelry. The first article got me all excited with her technique....solder, stamping, texture, loved it. And she mentioned Stephanie Lee in the article. And then another article mentioned Stephanie, and another, and then WHAM! There was a four page article about Stephanie herself. You see, at Art and Soul I was smitten with her jewelry. Really, like can't take my eyes off it smitten. I did take a class with Stephanie, but it was a sculpture class. She offered one on her book Semiprecious Salvage, but it filled before I could afford to register. Bummer. So I took notes from the magazine and made a shopping list. Then Home Depot and three very kind men helped me fill my cart with the needed items. On the list: wood, copper electrical wire, insulation foam, chalkboard paint, file set, and a few other little goodies that may not even get played with yet but I just had to have!

You see, I think this mood was stemming from an angst over where to start. I get like this every time a new creative flow comes into play. Something big must be about to emerge from this little bout of the moody blues.....Part of it is fear of failing, part is wanting to work my own twist into new knowledge. Does that make sense? I learned SO much at Art and Soul, and yet, the past week I've been trying to wrap my own creative voice around this new knowledge so that it becomes mine, and not a replica of Stephanie, Julie or Lisa. Also, I want it to be authentic. Usually I can feel it.....when it's not authentic that is. When it is forced and unatural. Last night I had a vision of a new nest. I love nest jewelry, I do. I don't care how done it's been, I love it. So here's what I made this afternoon with some electical wire, solder and sari ribbon.

I am not so sure about the ribbon's place. I bought this sari ribbon a while back in hopes that one day it would become part of something.

When I picked up the nest off the fire brick under it was this splat of solder. I grabbed my scissors and cut out a heart, then stamped of course, "My Heart is Full" because it is getting there. It is. Especially after what came to the door today.

On our way out the door to baseball practice tonight there was a package propped on the door. It was from Somerset. I was so excited that my paintings from the Somerset Life issue had finally made their way back home. We quickly opened the box and found the two paintings and this issue of Somerset on top. Ok. That's nice of them to send this I thought. But I'm not in this issue.

At least I thought I wasn't. After reading this article I started crying, like really crying. It was the cry that needed to come out for a week now. Knowing I inspired someone to make something really, really made my creative spirit soar. Her words were so heartfelt and humbling.

I am still feeling my way through these emotions and creative hurdles. Today I got off to a nice start though. So will you be seeing a line of jewelry with fiber, this and that? Not so sure. Doesn't feel quite authentic enough.....yet anyways. I rather like the simplicity of my nest with the tag necklaces. I am thinking of using some nests like this with silver tags as well as the brown patinaed ones. I am sure I'll find my way soon though. And hopefully have something special to share.

My Turn to Share

So yesterday I mentioned sharing, since it was the title of my newest painting. Someone commented on the post that they loved the way it looked as though it was peeling. Thus a symbol of peeling away the layers as we share our most authentic self. Which brings this to mind. Here on the blog we share....paintings, our creative process, growth of our children, happy times, sometimes not so happy times, etc. We peel away layers and expose ourselves right here for the world to read and see. I try to be very true to myself here for you. It's not all unicorns and rainbows, as I have certainly revealed this week. Today I opened my email to find that a friend had blogged about me and Valerie here. This sweet artsy friend is CINDY. Her blog is Lottie Bird.....love that name. And if you read along her blog enough you'll find that she has a very authentic voice. I love to read her posts. Here is some of what her creative hand makes: She's half of the Tallulah Girls. Amazing jewelry that you have to have. I have 2 necklaces and a pair of earrings from these ladies. And they are a favorite. In fact, I wore it all in the BIG family portrait session this summer.....that's how much I love it.

So her sharing a piece of me on her blog was a little blushing moment for me. I've never had anyone do that, that I know of. It was flattering to see from an outside point of view my layers. So head on over and check CINDY out. She has a new kitten named Jenny btw. I like that name, don't you?? hehehehe

Jewelry Making 101

So, I am now on the downhill side of a serious jewelry 101 making session. I am by no means proficient at this art form, yet. And man my right hand is reminding me of this. I find myself drawn to the process of making jewelry though. And after creating about 100 new pieces, I am feeling pretty, well, good. Half the stash is headed to The Naked Art Gallery in Birmingham...the other half to my etsy shop. The photos have all been taken, and the cropping is about to begin. So check here in etsyland tomorrow and scoop yours up!

Sometimes I am too......

Sensitive. I just plain can't help it. I wear a giant heart on my sleeve that I let get all holey and tattered. It's just a part of who I am, always have been. I've gotten better about expressing this. And being an artist really allows me to express this without even knowing it. And today was just one of those days of very creative expression. Nest. I actually looked it up in the dictionary today and found that nests are not just places where birds lay their eggs to hatch, but it's also defined as "a group of similar things, a place of rest, a retreat, a group of objects made to fit close together or within one another." It's kind of what I do while creating.....I make a restful place, group lots of ideas together and create a tightly woven body of work. I know I didn't invent the woven nest pendant, but I do believe that how I have altered into into my own little "nest" is quite beautiful and a wonderful expression of my sensitivities. Last weekend I wove together about 20 nests. Today I woke and decided it was time to put the nests together with the words that needed to come right on out of that tattered sleeve. I really enjoyed hand dyeing all my own pieces this time. It's rewarding in many ways to see the fruits of your labor produce materials so very unique.

I also ordered my own stamps, finally. The fonts I chose are lower case typewriter and tiny uppcase gothic. I got a hold of those little metal letters, put on my I-pod, and stamped away. It was seriously like I was pounding out all those anxieties I've had about my creativity lately. And the words, well they just kept coming....nuture them, unlock potential, u can fly, my heart is full, and more. Ok, now I am not just talking to Mommies right now. You know nurturing can encompass a realm of people who foster the development of others. Heck, my little blog here may be nurturing you. Unlocking potential.....man I feel like there is so much of that in me right now and why I can't just let it go is where I perhaps, need to be nurtured.

So these pendants are all done and ready to make their way into new jewelry boxes. Maybe one of them will speak to you as it did me while creating it. I can't really explain this, but I really got emotional today. Especially while stamping this one below:

And really, I was not thinking about Mailey and William while making it. I was thinking about you.

Yes, I did it again....

Updated the Etsy shop that is! It's getting big fat puffy heart love this week! And I am not even done. Just felt like I was on a merry-go-round after listing 14 medium sized glass pendants. So I had to take a breather. They turned out so very pretty. Each image has been carefully cut and decoupaged onto the 1", 1 1/5", or 2" glass tile. I added some really thick gloss glaze to the backs, which of course have a fun pattern!
I have 2 sizes and rings to add to the shop. The pendants will come with a 24" ball chain. Such a great gift, or happy for yourself. And the 2" pendant, well it's a true show stopper. It's like wearing a little piece of art right around your neck or finger.

A Very Productive Day

Today was just one of those days. A day where things fell into place and I was able to achieve so much. It was a "yeah me" day! (I watch too much Disney to think of that quote.) William and Mailey both had guests all day, which was a huge bonus. I love to have friends over, especially low maintenance ones. So here's some of what I did creatively today: New jewelry for the Naked Art Gallery. I think I wrapped up about 25 pieces for Vero. These cool brushed metal pieces were a find on Tybee Island from the Fish Art man. Great find....great find. I have thousands of more little pieces, I didn't even make a dent in my collection.

In addition to the jewelry pieces I was able to get the brides finished up and stowed away, the studio cleaned up and ready for jewelry making, 13 boards textured and drawn on ready to be painted, the turtle tank cleaned (it stunk bad), jewelry items photographed, jewelry items inventoried, jewelry items emailed over to Vero, called the principal of the new school and got the thumbs up for afterschool art there, and managed to not loose my head during all this. All because the kids were entertained and I had set attainable goals for myself. Sometimes setting attainable goals, and not reach for the sky goals is all it takes to get through the day. I even managed to get to some of tomorrows goals.

So now I am free to watch After the Final Rose- love that junk TV. Such a guilty pleasure! Hope you had a productive day as well!

Okay, the Surprise is Out of the Bag!

Well, Jill received her little Valentine from Chad on Thursday. She said she came home and the cone (I made her a cone for her front door that I forgot to photo) was on the door. Hummmm.....And then the nest with pink bow...hummmm...and observant little Kathryn found that the nest had a BAG in it with the actual gift. The two pink pearl eggs represent her two daughters, Kathryn and Caroline. The pearls, well I love the little seed pearls in my jewelry making. They are tough on the eyes and hands, but they really make a nice necklace. All was made with lots of love.

On a side note, I was wearing my own little nesty creation today in Birmingham and had lots of comments on it. So I am thinking of making up some more nests and placing them in my Etsy shop very soon. Be checking my posts for when they'll be available. I can also custom make one for you. Amy, I promise you are first!

Sending you all lots of love on this special day. I know mine has been a lovely one. Lots of yummy goodies here. My children picked out my favorite, a chocolate chip cookie cake! I'm off for another slice now. Nighty night.

I think I can...I think I can"...

As I posted earlier I am working on a line of jewelry for the Naked Art Gallery and the upcoming "Microlove" show. I do not proclaim to be a jewelry artist, but do love to accessorize myself with handmade goodies. So I set out to make jewelry... thus the title of this blog, "I think I can...I think I can" from the beloved childhood story The Little Engine That Could. It has been that journey for me the past few weeks.

I started with an inspiration search on Etsy. I wanted to make jewelry that was not too far off from what I love to paint; birds, nests, flowers with blues, greens, white, etc. And then I found her...Patina Queen. Her findings inspired my entire collection. The hand patinaed wire, chain, aqua beads, hand tinted owls, birds, caps, oh I could buy her shop out! I also found a wonderful selection of blue and white beads at the mart last weekend to complete the look. Here are a few of my favorites. Check out my flickr site for the entire collection. I have to inventory and pack it all up tomorrow to fly on over to Vero. You can purchase any of the pieces in her online shop starting next week. I just love the hand patinaed wire. I have a nest similar to this in my jewelry box from Valerie. But the darker wire makes the aqua beads really pop. I also love the baby pearls.

These earrings match the necklace below. Not that they have to go together. I LOVE the tarnished caps and have already ordered more!

These bezels were fun to add images to. I also purchased bezels in yellow, turquoise and another white. Each has a bird image. They remind me of a vintage cameo.

I needed more earrings in the collection and decided that by wrapping the hand patinaed wire around at least twice it was strong enough not to bend in shape. The nest charms were hand patinaed with love.

Well, will I be making more? I have a few unfinished pieces here at the house. And I found an amazing branch with bird and nest at Michael's of all places today. So a few more I suppose. Mailey asked me yesterday, "Mommy are you making anything for yourself or just to sell?" Good question my little 6 year old. I imagine at least one will make it back to my over flowing jewelry box soon!

Enameling is Great!

Okay, for some reason my pictures are uploading in order opposite of how they need to. Hummm.... So I guess we'll start at the end and work our way back! Valerie and I and our constant quest for artsy knowledge took an Intro. to Enameling class at Art Worx in Marietta last month. Every Wednesday we'd make the haul up to this amazing jewelers studio for class. Our instructor was super great and we learned alot about the basics. So of course now we have to take this artsy knowledge and run with it! On election day while the kids were home from school I headed over to Valerie's amazing studio where the enameling kiln awaited us. (Valerie has already bought the kiln of course ;)) Here's my crop for the day: A nest of course, a bird or course, some blue doughnuts, white discs, blue discs, red discs and a stamped disc that says "I am an artist", is what I have so far. Yesterday I wore my nest and earring set and my Mom said she liked it. And those of you who know Mom understand that this is a compliment of great importance! She is always painfully honest! I really liked making these jewels and plan to make a line of them for the Naked Art Gallery in B'ham. Vero has asked if I wanted to sign on as a jewelry artist as well as painter since I now have the nest earrings from a couple of post ago. Heck yeah I say!

This little birdie is awaiting to be placed in the kiln. Enameling is basically fine glass powder placed on top of a copper surface, which is then heated in a kiln of 1400' degrees. This temperature would just about melt anything I think, but definitely melts the glass powder. My favorite colors of the day were Robin's egg blue, yellow and white. I think too that even though it is jewelry, it is important for my work to have some consistency across the board. And those colors will help translate my paintings into miniature pieces of jewelry. I will be exploring more of the "painting" type technique I used to make the eggs in the nest to make some of my birds, flowers and branches which always appear in my paintings.

This is actually the first step: See how pixie dust looking the glass is? It is sifted onto the copper piece, which is then placed on the stilt like above and then placed in the kiln for 1 min. 30 sec. not long at all! Be looking for more of this style jewels from me soon!