Heat Patina

I've been spending some time experimenting with heat patinas and copper. After several unsuccessful attempts, I came upon a method that works for me and gets me some beautiful colors.

After shaping, sanding, hammering, and tumbling my copper, I use my butane torch. I heat the whole piece until it starts to turn and then I quench in cold water. I then put the copper back on the fire brick and heat all over again. I may do this process several times until I get the colors I want. Next, I run the copper upstairs to the freezer and leave it in for a few hours. The pieces have come out very shiny and with lovely color variations. I'm currently using no sealer, as I'm worried this will alter the patina. Let's see what happens....

Shows and HAIL!

Yesterday was not the best day to spend outside doing a show. We got to see a mix of rain, sleet, sun, and hail stones- alternating about every 15 minutes! This did not make for a huge turn out at the Arts Unlimited show in Renton. Luckily, I was stationed near several Etsyrain folks and had people to talk to all afternoon.

I viewed this show as a learning experience. I'm actually rather proud to say that I was able to set up and take down my tent (with a little help) and could carry everything- including the cinder blocks I used to keep the tent from flying away. Those blocks are actually part of a bookcase that we built in our 20s and yes, we still use it.

I learned that I really need to order some tent walls! Thanks to Marlo and Suzanne for lending me their extras. Without them my tables would have gotten even more soaked. Ah yes, and thank to to Marlo for the paper towels. I figured out, too late, that if you're doing a show in the rain your tables will get wet while you set up your tent. I definitely need to throw in a roll next time.

Overall, I'm still glad I went- I even sold a pair of earrings. Now I'm very pumped for our next show in May. And it's indoors. Hurrah!

Shows and Rain

Quite a month. I'm still not allowed to eat most foods and I'm not feeling my best but I've decided to forge ahead anyway! After a fun trip to NYC I've gotten to work on setting up my studio and making LOTS of pieces. I'm going to be doing a few shows in the coming months so I'm trying to get ready for them. Actually, on Saturday I'm doing my first outdoor show by myself. I've got the tent and tables and I'm pretty happy with the display this time. I'm using shutters to hang the earring cards and a wood lattice from some french doors to hang the pendants.

However..... it's supposed to rain and possibly SNOW on Saturday. Yes, I'm sure there's no trace of climate change! Snow in Seattle in mid-April is unheard of. So, I'm trying to figure out the best way to keep warm and dry and not have my jewelry blow away. Some other folks from EtsyRain, now also known as Puget Sound Indie Artisans, are brainstorming survival tips for the day.

And by the way, the Puget Sound Indie Artisans are putting on our own show the day before Mother's Day in Edmonds. We are so excited!

Bead Trends Idea Book

My copies of Bead Trends March/April edition arrived in the mail today and I'm very excited! Two of my designs are featured with photos and instructions. This publication is always looking for designers to submit their pieces for review. The process was fairly simple and their photographer did a great job with everyone's jewelry. So fun to see my stuff in print!!

Trying the Ring Thing

Well, here it is, March already. I'm still recovering from my surgery and find I'm passing out around 8pm these days. I've started teaching my night classes again so that's going to have to change. I'm also awaiting my 40th birthday with mixed emotions. Getting back to work is starting to help me feel "normal" again but I'm still not feeling like "me". I'm not really worried about aging and I'm excited about the future (as I look out the window at the rain). I just wish I could eat that chocolate cake that I'm not allowed to have. Doctors. Hmph.

Anyway, I've been experimenting with fusing rings these days and put a few in my etsy shop this week. I've also redesigned my work space in the basement. Maybe I'll get a picture up here next time.

New Earrings I Like

Wow, being home recovering from surgery has given me all kinds of time on my hands. For the last few weeks I was really only lying on the couch but today I've got some energy. Why not blog again??

I've been able to create some new earring designs and have sent them off to Oak, a new store in Boston that will be carrying some of my pieces. I'm excited to see how this little cross-country experiment goes. I can't monitor the store in person but the owner has done a pretty good job of keeping vendors up to date on her website and blog. If you want to check it out here's the address: http://www.oakboston.com

Etsy Cross Promotion

Etsy Rain (my Seattle street team) has teamed up with Arts in Rhode Island to cross promote each other. Members on both teams pick artists to blog about- a fabulous idea. Today, I'll be posting about electronrings.

Marya, the designer behind electronrings, makes beautiful pieces of wearable art by felting pieces she's crocheted. Her work includes rings, necklaces, belly dance belts, and purses. These pieces are totally original and simply gorgeous!

Quoting from her profile:
"I get my inspiration from some of the smallest particles known to humankind, AND ancient architecture, such as the Nazca Lines in Peru, and the Hill of Tara in Ireland. I'd like to think I am "remembering" my designs, rather than just creating them."



Her work can be seen and purchased on her Etsy site: http://www.electronrings.etsy.com