I recently came across this post on sub-studio design blog. Pieter Hugo has created a wonderful series of photographs of a group of animal handlers in Nigeria, who somehow have domesticated a couple Hyenas, as well as monkeys. What fascinates me is how beastly the Hyena seems and how one would ever manage to domesticate such a wild

For months I've been thinking about making this ring...finally, I did it. I call it The Fancy Ring, because well, it's just about the fanciest ring I've made to date. Sterling Silver with a beautiful Gold setting and rich Smoky Quartz. Available in...you guessed it...the Etsy Shop!

New in the Etsy Shop... fun Purple Chalcedony Stacking Rings!

New in the Etsy Shop....Faceted Labradorite Ring.

New in the Etsy Shop....Eucalyptus Dreams, featuring a gorgeous Australian Variscite!

I just saw this on Liz Steiner's blog, Atomic Rabbit. I absolutely love her progress shots! I can't wait to see what she makes with this one (I'm a big fan of shadow boxes).

Arthur Hash is a well respected artist, designer, and metalsmith. I have just recently done a little trade with him and cannot wait to see what he makes with the materials I sent him. Arthur just posted a great blog today, kind of in response to the latest on Conceptual Metalsmithing. He brings about a lot of good

I found today's artist via Amy Tavern's blog...she always features wonderful artists every week! Sabrina Meyns is an emerging designer who uses a range of materials, and I really like the paper pieces, with their fragile qualities. I've always wanted to explore with paper and papier mache, but haven't taken the time yet. Go ahead and have a

My mom sent me an email a while ago, with an article on forgiveness from a website called Abundance and Happiness. I have only started reading it today, as once again, I am dealing with the task of forgiving myself. One of the quotes talks about when someone makes the choice to hold onto resentment or "un-forgiveness" against

Yesterday, Dave and I travelled to Eugene to have a tour of the metals studio at University of Oregon. It's one of the options I'm looking at to transfer to and complete a BFA in the U.S., so that some day I may be able to get my Master's (My BVA from University of South Australia is not

I knew there was a reason I liked Michele Maule's illustrations...she's originally from Portland, Oregon! She currently resides near Detroit, Michigan, and has made making art her full time job, which is fantastic. Her illustrations are gorgeous--I love the simplicity and color combinations. These are a few of my favorites. You can find more of Michele Maule's work

Oh, my. I'm in love! Jessica Jane, of Petite House and Jessica Jane, creates amazing clay sculptures that are whimsical, fun, and intriguing. I absolutely adore this little shadow box, and the story that goes along with it.You can find more of Jessica Jane's work on her blog, etsy shop, and flickr.

I recently fell in love with Mel Robson's work through a post on Design*Sponge, where they are doing a virtual design tour of Australia. She is an amazing ceramic artist who has a self-proclaimed obsession with roadmaps, recipes, sewing and handwriting. Her work entails a lot of research and I love the exhibitions she's been in. Check out

Yu-Chun Chen: Brooch, Flowerness of the bird II 2007 Iron, paint, horn, steel (via Klimt02) Cally, of Cally Creates, posted a great blog on brooches that look like rocks and minerals a while back. Head over to her blog to check it out!

Yes, I am still working on my project on forgiveness. Much of it is still in my head (I know I know, I need to be writing and drawing it out). I did end up doing a bubble map the other day, which helped me visualize some actual objects and possibilities.I have decided to create "wall lockets" for