poem #212

the fog quietly crept in
over the city this morning
and the sky remained white
until well after noon.
frost covered patches of earth
pale in comparison
to the ground twinkling like diamonds

playing favorites

These are some of the only pieces I have actually planned out in advance and have had to figure out how to make the dream a reality. I heated the metal, hammered it and then drilled holes for the fine silver accents to go into - there are tiny little balls on each side of the metal. The texture is incredible, it's like reading braille on metal. These are definitely my new favorites!

Twill

I am very excited to announce that my jewelry is now being carried by Twill in Portland! This super cute shop carries everything from skirts, dresses, original art, jewelry and even colored tights. The shop mostly carries local designers and eco-friendly clothes, which I think is just one more reason to love them! Make sure to check them - you won't be sorry!










Twill
2132 SWE Division
Portland, OR 97202

www.twillclothing.com

circle of life

I have totally been on a kick of making everything circles! I love forming the wire, cutting it, fusing it and then re-shaping it to make a perfect little circle. The possibilities are endless and I think this is probably the part of jewelry making I could never get tired of!

first attempt

this is my first attempt at encaustic painting. it was harder to o than I thought it would be. it's a great practice in art because you may have an idea in your mind of what you want to create but because the wax reacts so differently with each stroke it comes out totally different - in a good way

new pieces

Neato Artist: Somavenus

This great shop features photos, zines and funky glass pendants by the one and only Melanie (aka Soma)! The beautiful rich colors in her photos and jewelry make her art some of my personal favorite. Imagine my excitement when I found out she was local....and I mean local! I was a fan long before but then I met her and actually got to work with her. I can't believe I finally found someone who loves old rusty stuff as much as I do! Besides having the coolest hair around, she's also totally down to earth and funny. Her love for travel is clear in her vibrant pictures and her passion for art has really inspired me! Check out her shop at www.somavenus.etsy.com. I think you'll find that her art will make your day just a little bit brighter!

poem #11

There's a wildfire in the city.

The trees are starting to blend into the brick buildings.

Beautiful reds and oranges.......like flames lapping at the sky.

The sky is still hazy

with the sun slowly rising

bringing its radiant light to the new day.

Morning has to be my favorite part of the day

everything is renewed...

the dew has washed away the regrets of yesterday.

The cold air burns my lungs as I walk down the city blocks.

Leaves are changing colors right before my eyes

the sky turning from blue to gray to white to blue again.

The air chills me to the bone

as the subtle scent of winter dances in the fog.

Fall is my favorite time of year.....

new pieces

Etsy: Seeing Red

some current favorites from Etsy:

www.dangerprostudios.etsy.com

www.carmelajay.etsy.com

www.lanitaphoto.etsy.com

www.melaniefavreau.etsy.com

www.modernhouseart.etsy.com

www.slowshirts.etsy.com

www.rainyprints.etsy.com

www.verreencore.etsy.com

the dark side

I just learned about liver of sulfur and how it can darken silver. It's quite a bit of work to darken and then brush the pieces so they aren't completely dark but I love the look!

golden child

I'm not one for gold jewelry, personally. Silver has always suited me best and is the color that seems to catch my eye the most. I like gold on other people and usually end up making pieces in gold for my mom (hi mom!). I decided to try some earrings and have to admit that after all these years not liking gold, I LOVE these little earrings!

Ode: Teesha Moore

I don't even know where to start about Teesha - she is sheer inspiration! I started following her art through her art zines "Play" and "Art & Life". I was hooked at the very first page - her use of color, words and faces was different than really anything I had seen before. As I read more and more issues and started looking into her other art work, I was even more inspired. Here was someone who by all appearances was truly living the creative life. I love what she has to say about her own work:

"To me, making art is play. I don't worry what others will think of it. I do it and if others like it, great. If they don't, I know they will move onto the next artist who inspires them. I create from my gut. I let whatever is inside of me come out, so I step aside as much as possible so that can happen. I am always happy to share any idea or technique I know with anyone who wants to listen because it is all about creativity and if something I say can get someone to shoot off down a path of their own creative path, there is no greater joy for me. "

This sentiment is so clear in her work. It speaks from her soul yet is so finished & well designed. I am just blown away by all the things she does.... her zines, her blog, her stamps & her great fabric arts. And although her art gives me just the push I need sometimes, her life inspires me just as much. Here is a mother of two and a wife of 25 + years.........just a beautiful woman who inspires me in more ways than I ever thought possible. Here are some of my favorite pieces:

I hope that you take a peek at her amazing work:

www.teeshamoore.com
www.teeshascircus.blogspot.com

And here is the piece I made inspired by Teesha. I have to admit, as I made this piece, I just let it flow. I didn't worry about how this piece would fit or how that little piece would look. I created, as she says, from the gut. It captures for me the inspiration she gives me to create with reckless abandon and to live a creative life.

recycled chic

I just came into a huge collection of post industrial recycled leather - each piece is hand painted these beautiful colors. I'm not sure what all I will create with it....so many possibilities. For right now, I've started to make cuff bracelets with fine silver accents. Who knew being nice to the environment could look so cute!