Magnolia, 2007

I was just thinking about posting about my morning routine when I saw another gal (Corey Ackelmire) do the same! Mine is less about breakfast, though, and more about computers. On my days off of work, I get up, put my hair back, and put in my contacts (or sometimes I don't, like today). Turn on my computer, and I check in order: hotmail, gmail, facebook, myspace, bloglines, blogger, etsy, and EtsyMetal. It's my routine, and it's comfortable :)

Usually at some point I get up and make a smoothie for myself, too.

D and I had a wonderful Anniversary yesterday. He was great about making me a surprise romantic dinner, and then we watched movies :)

January 2008, Multnomah Falls

Dave and I have officially reached....toddler-hood! Today is our 2 year anniversary, and while that may be small numbers for some, it is a great thing for us. I come from a family where both parents had 4 marriages, and sometimes it still amazes me that I am able to stay in one relationship for so long, but then I know in my heart of hearts that Dave is my person. Dave's family was also not the best role model for successful relationships. Even through all the hard times we have had individually, and as a couple, I couldn't be happier. We are supportive of each other's artistic endeavors, and even though we don't have a lot of money, we have a really good life.

In the past, I have always looked to others for examples of how relationships and marriages can last. And with the support of those memories and lessons, I am now looking to us. I am dearly in love with Dave, and am looking forward to another year!

Two Years Ago Today, Post-First-Kiss
January 27, 2006

Paralucia spinifera series, 2004


A few years ago, I did a collection of very sculptural rings (7) based on the Bathurst Copper Butterfly (Paralucia spinifera). An endangered species, it is one of the rarest butterflies in Australia, and endemic to the country. It can only be found in a very small area between Bathurst and Hartley, in New South Wales.

I created these rings as a way to pique interest in this endangered species by creating wearable sculptures that would spark conversation.

Like Two Pieces of the Same Heart, 2008

Here are some pressings I did last night using my new iron patty molds!

I got a little carried away and they split a little at the top but I might work that to my advantage :)

D and I went to Hood River last night to drop his brother off, and spent the night at his sister's. After coffee with the siblings, we popped into an old Antique store and found some treasures. Above (and below) are candle holders--I just love the shapes and matte finish! And I love that you can flip them (below) to utilize them in other ways.

Upside Down


I also found these choice Patty Molds, which I plan on using in my hydraulic press. They're iron, so I hope they don't hurt the acrylic, but I suppose you can't find out unless you try!



The heart is my favorite....wonder what I'll come up with :)



There was another set of 10 pieces, but they were much more expensive and they had little bumps on the bottom (not flat, like above), which made me nervous about using in the press. I only saw these ones as we were almost out of the store!



And...my tastes are changing. For some reason, I love the bold colors and leaves on this set and just had to have it :) I'm not much for tea sets that are white with little dinky flowers on them...give me color and bold character any day!

And to top the day off, it was sunny and beautiful out. Now, back to work :)

Double Leaf Brooch, 2008

Today was a fairly productive day in the studio. I finished these two pieces, finally! I would have a third piece to show you, but I have been battling with the brooch findings for hours! Why, oh why is it so hard to solder a pin into a tube? good god. Anyway I think I will re-make it into a pendant, which should be online tomorrow. Maybe a lariat? We'll see.


Contained, 2008

This pendant has been sitting on my desk for a couple months, neglected. Finally decided to bring it to life! I like it in copper, but will blacken it tomorrow. I'm sure it'll look good both ways!

Also, today was the first sunny day I've seen in a while. It was wonderful!

Two Leaf Earrings, 2008
Sterling Silver

Also new in my Etsy shop, these are studs that hang about an inch down from the ear. Very fun! Still deciding whether or not I should be blackening pieces from this series :)

Single Leaf Pin, 2008
Sterling Silver, Stainless Steel

The first brooch I've made in a while, from my leaf series, is now up in my Etsy shop! More to come soon.

My "Leaves" necklace has now been entered into the call for entries for the upcoming Ethical Metalsmith's virtual exhibition. I recycled silver to make the necklace, and love it. Hopefully it gets in. If not, oh well :) I think the Ethical Metalsmiths organization is a great thing. There's a good community surrounding it, with some outstanding artists running it. Check it out!

Here they are....the finished product. Now, I know that I totally undersold these, only profiting a mere $8 from the sale. HOWEVER, it is a learning experience. I didn't realise quite how long they would take to make, which was really where I lost the money. But they are beautiful, and they have opened the gateway to more commissions!!!

Leaf Necklace, 2007

Today I broke out Dave's camera (he says it's ours--a Canon 30D Digital SLR), and the macro ring flash I bought him for Christmas, and took some pictures of a couple pieces of jewelry. I'll be taking more tomorrow, with a tripod this time :) The macro flash gives a nice illusion of daylight, which is rare during winter here in Portland.

As for the pieces, the Leaf Necklace (above) is the culmination of all of the leaf multiples I made. There are also earrings, brooches, and a necklace waiting to be made, but they will have to wait until after commissions are done.

The poppy earrings (below) were commissioned by orchidnoon on Etsy. She asked for a pair of earrings reminiscent of my poppy sculpture and this is what we came up with :) I will be blackening them tomorrow (with more pics to follow of the final product) before sending them out.

Poppy Earrings, 2008

Damask Pendant from simonewalsh

I am a fairly minimalist person, but have recently found myself loving pattern, texture, and layers. One of these that I love especially is Damask. In most forms, it is not too cluttered, and usually comes in bold colors, my favorite being black and white. Here are some beautiful Damask patterned goodies from Etsy:


Black and White Damask Tote from eclu


Linen and Black Velvet Damask Tote from eclu

Abbey Damask Home Dec Fabric from cheapthreads


Damask Headband from Bellastyle


Fabulous Black and Cream Damask Stocking from withlovefromalabama