New Celtic Jewelry!

Time has sure been flying by here at Wit's End Studio--it's been nearly a month since I posted anything.  I've been busy, obviously--creating some new jewelry pieces for two Celtic shows, and continuing to work on the pet portrait commission.  First, the jewelry:

The first piece on the left is made of coral fossil beads and copper wire.  Next is a Celtic lace bracelet. It is made of sterling over copper  wire and green glass beads. I may have posted a photo of the 3rd piece, made with antiqued pewter spacer beads and an antique pewter Celtic "knot" pendant.  The 4th piece here is my favorite:  made of green glass beads and copper wire, I also created a pair of earrings to match, along with a pair of Irish flag earrings, using Swarovski crystals in the colors of the flag and copper wire.

The final piece (below) can be worn as a kilt pin, or as a brooch.  The pin itself is silver-plated, with copper and ivory-colored "wooden" look beads. I'm afraid I was in a hurry when I took some of these photos, so you can't see the small details in the beads.  If you're interested in any of these pieces, or would like a custom made piece, just contact me at Sallison@insightbb.com.

The Celtic Fair in Eminence was a blast!  Although the weather was a little "iffy" the first day, by afternoon the sun had come out and came out again on Sunday, so it was very pleasant.  I had expected to see folks dressed up in kilts and Celtic costumes, but I was surprised at the number of people dressed in various Renaissance outfits, as well.  There were even pirates!  The food and music was great, especially a group called Mother Grove.  Check out their website for some fine traditional and "kilt rock." 

This past Thursday I participated in a small art show featuring fellow artists and Ireland/Scotland travelers Mary Yaeger and Sharla McClain, sponsored by the Failte Irish Imports shop in Lexington.  The show was held at McCarthy's Irish Pub, also in Lexington.  It was well attended and my only regret is that I won't be able to go on this year's trip to Ireland!

So now it's back to the studio. I'm still working on the Pekingese pet portrait, and once that is finished, I'll be concentrating on Christmas (ugh, I can't believe it's just over two months away!)--I've got some great ideas for Christmas jewelry as well as some mini paintings.  So check back every now and then so you can get a first look!

TGIF--and a Celtic Knot Pendant plus Earrings

So I'm up late, not really enough energy to go down to the studio to paint, but not sleepy enough for bed--so I decided to finish a necklace and earrings I started working on the other night. This one is made with brown jasper stones, antiqued pewter lace beads, and an antiqued pewter Celtic knot pendant.  I did a little experimenting--the figure eight links (near the top of the necklace) are made of aluminum wire--which is very flexible, even though I used 18 gauge wire.  It might actually be a little too soft--but it was fun playing around with it. 

Yesterday I received my John C. Campbell Folk School catalog, and oh how I wish I could attend one or more of their workshops. So much to choose from! I haven't given up hope--I'll be saving my pennies and maybe one day, I'll get to go!

Meanwhile, I've signed up to take an equine photography workshop in August, which I'm very excited about.  I love painting horses, and photography is my second love....so what could be better?  I'll get to photograph some magnificent horses, and eventually paint them too!

On the painting front, I just received a commission to do another pet portrait--this one of two ultra cute Pekingese.  Can't wait to get started, and I'll post WIP photos when I do.

Looks like we might get some rain tonight. It would be great to have a break from this oppressive heat. I was about to do a rain dance!

Always after me Lucky Charms....

Hahaha...I used to love that commercial for Lucky Charms cereal. So tonight, I was too hot (after spending an hour or so cleaning the pool) to do much, but in keeping with my Celtic themed jewelry, I made these:  I call them my "Lucky Charm Earrings."  Not sure how lucky they'll be, but I like them and had fun making them.  These are green glass beads wrapped in copper wire. The ear hooks, 4-leaf clover and jump rings are also copper. 

I really like working with copper--it has a nice warm look to it.  I'll be adding a bracelet and necklace soon.

Meanwhile, check out my interview on the EBSQ blog!  EBSQ is a really nice website for self-represented artists.  They also have wonderful contests and I love their "artist of the week" feature.  Lots of wonderful art to look at, too.