Over the slump...

I've had a bit of a dry spell since the end of the holiday season.  I've been busy teaching first grade, but haven't made it to the worktable.
The most recent issue of step by step wire seems to have gotten the creative juices flowing. I decided to give Beth Ullman's simple elegance bracelet a whirl.  It's made from just 2 pieces of wire, but looks more intricate.  I chose copper for my first attempt, but can't wait make another with sterling silver.

The wraps aren't perfect.
And I can see some tool marks, but I love it. And I love the possibilities it opens up!

Bead Soup

I enjoyed the challenge of participating in Kalmbach Publishing Bead Soup.  I received some beautiful beads from Beads Mosaic in Nanuet, NY.  I think they might be Kazuri.  The clasp is glass.

The Beads

The first challenge was incorporating the top drilled focal pendant.  I like my pendants to "dangle" and wanted to showcase some wire work.

Then, I thought the class was too pretty to hide.

I added black Czech druk beads, berry freshwater pearls and, of course, sterling silver.

I didn't win the "contest", but I love the way it came out. It was fun think "outside the box" and create with elements I might not have chosen myself.

If I'm ever near Nanuet, I'll be sure to stop into Beads Mosaic and thank them.

Display Cases? Or Not?

Earlier this week I posted on Facebook about a shopping trip to NYC with my daughter. It was a clothes buying trip for her, but we happenned upon a bead store and I just had to go in. I wrote on Facebook that I was disappointed that everything in the shop was displayed behind glass. Without really thinking it through, I did mention the store's name. It was, politely, in an email, brought to my attention that it was in bad taste, or maybe bad business practice, to mention the name of a store in a negative comment. I agreed, so I reposted without the store name, but left the meaning of the post.
I understand that everything in the shop was under glass because they probably are concerned about theft. However, although, the sales people were all quite friendly and offered assistance, the glass cases did deter me from purchasing anything. It is for that same reason I do not display my jewelry behind glass at art fairs. I want clients to be able touch and try on without pressure.

Where did the time go?

It's November already! I had very busy September with school starting and preparing for shows in Sag Harbor and Westhampton Beach.
Holiday shows are just around the corner.
I'm excited for the opportunity to participate in a fundraiser for the Long Island 2 day walk for breast cancer. I designing a necklace to raffled off December!

Silence

That's what it's been like for the past 3 days - sort of. I lost my voice for no apparent reason. Probably allergies. Treatment - no talking, salt water gargle, lots of tea with honey. This is tough!

I can't teach like this and I feel fine otherwise. It feels a bit like I'm playing hookey.

On the plus side, I've been able to complete a few projects and and create some, fun new designs for the trunk show Saturday. Fingers crossed my voice will be better - I love to talk about my work with patrons.

Check out this sweet set for a young dad to give to his wife for her first Mother's day...

The baby's was born in July so we have rubies, pearls and sterling silver. I love the faceted barrel ruby - just might have to go back to Wall Street Beads to get one for myself!

Isn't the baby's bracelet adorable!

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What's Next?

It's official - I'm a terrible blogger! Thank goodness no one is actually following.

I'm excited about my upcoming shows, but a little worried that I may have overextended myself.
Sat. May 7 - Trunk Show at The Kevin Maple Salon in Southampton
Sat. May 28 South Fork Craftsmen's Guild, Route 27, Bridgehampton
Sun. June 5 - East End Hot Rods Autism Speaks Long Island - Hagerman FD, E Patchogue
Sat-Sun June 18-19 -Harbor Fest - Sag Harbor
Sat-Sun Jun 26-26 - Hampton Bays Chamber of Commerce Arts and Crafts Show

Come on down and say Hi!