Dragonblood Jasper...not as scary as it sounds!

I couldn't resist making yet another jewelry set--this one made of dragonblood jasper stones and sterling silver over copper wire celtic swirls.  I apologize for the poor lighting.  When I'm ready to sell my jewelry I will take better photos. But I was just so pleased with these pieces, I had to share.  The beads are a little more green/brown color than they look in the photos, and the bale on the pendant is plastic.  I was going to remove it and make one out of wire, but I was afraid I'd damage the stone--but at least the design of the bale matches the design theme of the rest of the set. I think my swirls are becoming more consistent--although I actually prefer the slight variations--I think that's what makes the pieces unique--they certainly don't look like they've been made on a production line.

I'll be taking a little break from jewelry over the weekend--time to get back to slinging paint.  And speaking of painting--I will be featured as a Blogger of the Week soon on EBSQ, so be on the lookout for that! As soon as I complete the interview, I'll post a link to the article. 

Tea and Lemons, Please

I cannot believe I've missed the entire month of June! I guess time really does fly when you're having fun, though I can't say I've been having a lot of fun lately. Mostly I've been doing yard work, pulling those darn weeds that never seem to stop growing, even after soaking them in mega weedkiller! Ah well, it's just another challenge for us wannabe gardeners. 

The White Teacup
9 x 12
Acrylics on claybord

In addition to my never-ending battle with the weeds, I have managed to do some painting. Not as much as I'd like, but here's the most recent one--just finished a few days ago.  This is acrylics on Ampersand claybord. 

I've also been working on my jewelry.  Finished a couple of pairs of earrings and a necklace. I'm getting ready for a small fundraiser in August, where I'll be debuting my jewelry.  Right now most of the pieces are made with inexpensive beads and wire, since I'm still working on design elements, etc.  But I will soon make the switch to sterling silver and gemstones, so stay tuned!  Here are a few samples: 

 I'm still learning about twisting wire and playing around with different techniques and design elements, which is why I'm using the inexpensive materials right now.  But I'm definitely enjoying this new venue--I've actually made jewelry before, but really hadn't considered selling it.  I'm hoping to make my own beads and pendants at some point, too. I guess that's what happens with us creative types--always moving forward and trying new things. That's a good thing, though, isn't it? 

Well, it's time to move outside. The weeds are a-calling!  Later!

Catch-Up Time

Been unable to update this site for a couple of months--family illness has kept me out of the studio. It's been a couple of months since I've even picked up a paintbrush, but I'm hoping things will get better soon and I can get back to some sort of routine.  The last painting I worked on was a commissioned piece, an oil portrait for a friend's brother and sister-in-law.  This painting was quite a challenge for me, as it was done strictly from photographs--several, in fact--and included 3 cats.  But I like a challenge and after much maneuvering and discussion with the client, we came up with a composition that pleased everyone.   
A couple of years ago I took a jewelry -making workshop with Carolyn Mallin of Fanciful Expressions.  Since then I have, occasionally, made a few pieces of jewelry here and there--but because I haven't been able to spend much time painting lately, I started making jewelry again--it's something I can do while I'm fixing dinner, or watching TV and it satisfies my need for "instant gratification."  I'm not giving up on painting--but with the current family situation, I really don't have the time to dedicate to the studio.  I haven't given much thought to actually selling the jewelry--right now it's just something I'm doing to keep my mind off more serious matters and it comes in handy when I need a gift!  So here are a few pics of some of the jewelry I've made--they aren't the best photos, lighting is all wrong, etc.  I really like turquoise--it's one of my favorite stones, after amethyst, of course--purple is, after all, my "signature" color.

I'd like to make some pieces using amethyst--I have made a couple of jewelry sets using inexpensive imitation amethyst beads, but I don't want to go overboard with the purple thing.  I'm also doing some wire jewelry -- nothing finished yet, but I'll post pictures of those when I can.  I may set up a shop on Etsy specifically for my jewelry--will post that info when I do. Meanwhile, belated happy New Year!