MIND PAINTING

Years ago I used to paint, as in oil painting, very abstract, one day i'll see if I can post that. I painted with palette knives, rarely used a brush, and I reeeeealy enjoyed the physical part of it, scraping, dabbing, pushing, sometimes in a frenzy, brutally, like it was a release! I guess that sounds kind of frightening, but it was a rush, and in working with metal, I feel the same way. I can gouge, mar, scratch, heat and manipulate it into something that's truly mine, it's the physical part of it that is different from beading. I've been working on projects from Mary Hettmansperger's book "Wrap, Stitch, Fold and Rivet". I love doing it, and it's a nice contrast to beading, which can sometimes be repetitive to me. Deryn Mentock has a challenge on her blog to participate in the projects in this book. It's very worthwhile, even if metal is not totally your thing, because it improves your skill level and I think it improves your mindset! Just a different way of looking at things. I can already see projects that I will do in the future that will incorporate both beading and metal. Deryn's blog is one of the most informative, thoughtful and inspirational that I have seen. The word beautiful somehow doesn't do her work justice, it's beyond that, and you can feel her sincerity and commitment in each piece she creates. I will also say she is one of the kindest people out there. Even if her style is not yours, by visiting her blog you can surely take something with you when you leave that will enrich your life. I like to think we are all trying to enrich each other in our own little way!

WATER LILIES

In my attempt to try to work through some of my color issues, I created this for the ABS challenge. I know, I know...it looks to me a lot like a Lorelei design! But hey, who can help it, she's super sweet, super influential, and a super great designer!! Well, I still don't know if I like it all that much, I really have a hard time working with vibrant colors, it's out of my comfort zone! So this was also my own personal challenge. I fell in love with these vintage glass beads when I found them at a flea market, and pictures cannot do the focal lampwork pendant justice, the colors inside are incredible!! It's a handblown piece by Tari Zarka of PA. I hand forged the clasp myself, gotta get that wire in there, that made me feel a little better! If any of you can share an opinion or suggestion, I'd really appreciate it.

ORCHID

This, is the inspiration for

This

I bought this orchid a year and a half ago at a produce market near Philadelphia for $8.00. From the time I bought it , it was blooming and it continued to constanly produce a flower for one year before it finally didn't have any. Then it took a rest for about 3 months, and now it's back! It loves me I think and I love it! Sometimes good things happen. That's my story today!!

FREEFALL

If you have ever worked with one of Lynn Davis's creations, than you know that it is not work at all, but pure delight to finish a story that Lynn started! Her pieces are exceptional, incredibly detailed. You can feel the intensity that went into to creating the piece, and your job of making the jewelry to enhance it just flows, at least it does for me. I fell in love with these fabulous wings, and this is what they said!! I think Lynn is a fabulous storyteller, on her blog and through her creations. I can look at a number of her pieces and see my stories already, just waiting to come out. I feel enhanced by her creativity! I have also found out that when I start these projects, I usually land up telling "MY" same story, just in a differnet format everytime, but the message is usually the same. I think it's obvious, but do you see something I don't?

FRIENDS

These are some charms that I made over the weekend, now that Amber gave me the charm bug!! I've met so many nice people through the International Charm Day, and one of them has been especially sweet, Lilibulle of L'atelier de lilibulle!! We are going to do a swap, and she makes the most precious charms, absolutely beautiful!! Mine are not quite as precious, let's just say mine are quite rustic, that's what comes out!! I made some annealed and stamped copper ones, some mini crystal and gemstone mosaic rounds with sterling, and two of my favorites I made from vintage clasps!! I will definitely be making more of those!! Go check out Lilibulle's blog for inspiration!!

BEAUTIFUL BACKYARD

This is one of the current sources of my inspiration, my yard. I loooove working with the flowers in the summer, and we didn't even get to the good stuff yet.. Since LeAnn and Renate showcased their yard, I thought I would share also!! Happy Weekend!!

WORD OF THE DAY

This is just a hint of something I'm working on for a new piece, but I felt it appropriate for the day!! I've been fooling with annealing metal and exploring some new options, and feeling quite uninhibited and FREE!! I'm going to make many more varieties for charms also. I too, like Lynn, have been inspired by birds, I guess, in my own way!! What have you been doing that's new?