The Newness of it All

So remember my post a few days back when I showed my new jewelry pieces and parts?  Well.....I finally got into the studio and started making stuff!!!  Woohoooo!!  I am in love with these.  Especially the cow hide one on the bottom with the intricate brass plate with stamping.  They are super comfy.  And yes, custom orders are welcome!!  The newness of all this making is so energizing to my creative soul!

I hope to get back into the studio today to finish up a dozen or so.  This summer is keeping me super busy in so many ways.  I haven't found my way into the studio as much as I like, but that's ok.  There aren't too many summers left with my kiddos in the house or where they actually want to do stuff with me.  Know what I mean?

I will list a few in etsy with the rest headed to the Vintage-Flea in Newnan.  I'll keep you posted through my facebook page as to when!!  So head on over and join to get in on the latest adventures and heads up on etsy listings.

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.

Friday Favs

Hey again! So this week I want to share a few of my favorite TOOLS. You know, tools aren't just for men. I bet I know my way around Lowe's much better than my dear husband. Even though he calls the shiny red toolbox in the garage his, everyone in this household knows who uses the contents more frequently (and tends to misplace them more frequently too, oopsy!). Anyhoo.....who doesn't love a new cordless drill. Which has not left the kitchen island since I got it for Christmas. Love it. So does Ellie it appears. These are tools that I use in my artwork. The left item is a dry point needle. Originally I used it to etch into metal plates like Durer did during the Renaissance times. Being a modern renaissance woman, I use mine for carving into the goo on my wood before painting. Durer probably is rolling in his grave right now. hehehe... Middle is a new favorite, a wood burning tool. Which has never gotten to burn wood. It's used for line carving in roofing felt and soon into some wax. And last, the Dremel. Oh....the tools in my caddy for this could just about do anything. Seriously. Great tool for every artist. So many more....but these are the top 4 right now. BTW, the wood, roofing felt and goo also all come from Lowe's. I have a really big puffy heart spot for that place.

And lastly a tool that was not purchased at Lowe's, and really is not mine. I borrowed these from Valerie awhile back and said to her just this week, "I may need to think about paying you some rent on those letter stamps, or maybe just buy them from you." I really enjoy stamping. Not that I do that much, but when I find something I really like, and can combine it with my words, birds and nests, I am all over it. And right now I am all over these bracelet samples I made.

So here they are...ta da! Oh, and the fabulous mallet helped make these too, can't forget him, and I don't mean the rubber kind either.

So my motto of the year...be incredible and artsy mom. I am in love with this design, and have all sorts of ideas to make more. Just anxiously awaiting the blank ID tags to arrive. I plan to put all sorts of fun words on them. I'll be listing them in my etsy shop and will be sure to give you an update when I do!!