Thanks DigitalDoodleBug, my Etsy shop banner improved!

The Etsy community is great!  I was happy to see a short banner critique thread in December so I linked to my shop to see if I could get any feedback.  DigitalDoodleBug responded with a visually pleasing fix.  I was having difficulty with the lettering being too small and only a limited area that the words would be visible.  That is fixed.  I would like to give a loud shout to DigitalDoodleBug for the neat tweak! THANKS!!!!!

DigitalDoodleBug

A valuable Cover Letter exercise!

I have struggled writing cover letters. Finding a sincere expression of the actual strengths and skills that I could offer a potential employer is a challenge when working off a job listing description.  Yesterday, I decided to create my own position and apply for it.  I have proposed to be a Personal Assistant and found it much easier to define my skills and feel confident and positive about them.  Somehow the language flowed a bit more easily as I was able to think more creatively about what I know and how it could apply to helping someone else.  I spend almost 10 years in an office environment where my role changed and evolved frequently.  Some tasks were a fit and others weren't.  Some things I was good at but didn't actually enjoy.  I always welcomed the opportunity to risk learning something new.  When there are so few jobs out there that fit my skills and seem to point out the fact that I lack in other skills, it only makes sense to build something with what you have!

Oh, and I have subscribed to Lynda.com and plan on learning HTML!  Emerald Marine Carpentry needs some assistance with website maintenance!  I want to step up to plate for the family business.  Looking at the job listings everyday is discouraging!  That's not to say I'm giving up on having a full time job with benefits again. I just need to get to work and do something productive now!!

Feeding the Tool and Supply Fetish

It is taking much longer than I had hoped to collect enough equipment to embark on my enameling adventure. Fortunately, thanks to our friend Grady, I have a nice kiln to borrow. It is front loading with a smooth action door and a pyrometer, it isn't programable, but I think I can work around that! I am working on getting my nerve up to try it out. PMC silver will probably be first since I am somewhat familiar with it and know that it's more straight forward. It will be my first attempt, just to get my feet wet. I am still needing some kiln furniture and kiln wash. I have so many things to experiment with, bronze clay, copper clay, and enameling! Will I be able to focus long enough to pick just one and go through with it? I'll put up some pictures of my studio space and what happens in it.

The internet has been a great resource and inspiration. Yesterday, further inspiration came from Ryan at Pouncing Rain. She encouraged me to be brave and try out the sometimes problematic copper clay. So many have given up on it, but then again, there have been some beautiful results. I think the cost of admission is worth it and it fits in with my desire to experiment. I am really hoping to have some nice pieces to use with enamel. It's hard being patient, even when I am usually a pretty patient person. I've only been waiting for over 30 years to get my hands on this stuff!!

The results will be posted, successful or not. Maybe my first pmc firing will be ready tomorrow. I need my Lortone working and tumbling shot and pins! Will have to order those from Rio Grande!! In the waiting are two scented geranium leaves that I painted with slip last year. I can't wait to see how they turn out!

'Til Later!!

A new creative passion, Beaded Beads!

I have made beaded peyote beads in the past, hallow cylinders for making toggles or decorative beads, but recently I have been creating beads that use a ladder stitch and a netting type stitch to create a hallow bead that feels like a solid bead. The bead color and shape I choose determine the design and style. I am working on giving them a more up-to-date feel, but I really like their vintage and even Art Nouveau look. The original directions for these beads comes from The Art and Elegance of Beadweaving by Carol Wilcox Wells. I bought the book at a great bead store in San Luis Obispo, Naturally Jennifers. They have a great selection of Japanese seed beads in unique colors and finishes. Naturally Jennifers sell their beads in little clear boxes with a flip top for easy pouring and storing. Their online catalogue is great!

So far I have only completed several pairs of earrings and strung a bracelet. The first beads I made in this technique have been waiting for almost a year to find their home in a necklace whose design is kicking around in the back corners of my mind.

There are so many different variations of beaded beads and I have challenged myself to try more techniques. Anacortes Beads and Crafts will be offering a class in April in which I'll share this technique.

Rosy Cheek Treasury from Etsy

Come in from the cold!

Gratitude

Yes, I am grateful!!!

For flowers and creativity.  To all of those who inspired my creativity and encouraged me and showed by example.

My mom, my dad, my grandparents, my best friends, my husband, and son and daughter, and the many teachers have taught me the joys of using my vision, hands, and spirit.  The miracle of life is at the core of all creativity, we see it nearly everyday in the world around us.

I have been lucky to live and learn with some of the best people who live and breathe art and craft. Thanks to those whom cook wonderful meals and share in the joy of living.  Thanks to those whom make things from fiber, cloth, glass, and wood.  I am thankful for beads, metal, and the amazing technologies that allow people to create new and exciting materials.

I'm not sure why this sappy little ramble.  I just feel all warm and fuzzy inside.  Maybe it's the Holiday Spirit?!

Three pairs of enameled earrings!

The enameling class I took on Sunday was great fun.This is something I've wanted to try ever since highschool.  Mixing metal and glassy color just feel right to me. Throw in some beads and viola, we're talking some real fun now!  Now there are a new bunch of supplies and tools I want!!

Here are my pictures of three pairs of earrings, one finished and two in progress.

Happy Monday!