New Designs

So, I haven't been a very dedicated blogger lately and for that I apologize. Some good has come of this, as I've been having lots of fun in the studio. I've been experimenting with rivets, a coldworking technique, and it's been very rewarding. I've been adding bursts of color and vintage elements to my pieces, which makes them even more fun! I've also enjoyed adding more handmade chain into my pieces, which is great, because I LOVE making chain (I know, I'm crazy).


Riveting also gets me a little in touch with my pottery roots. I always enjoyed experimenting with surface treatments and textures and I see that coming through in my new work. Others have commented about this as well, including Baltimore Magazine (more news about that to come!).

Holiday Heap Tomorrow!

Sorry I haven't been posting very much the last week. I have been busy, busy, busy making lots of goodies for the holiday show season. Speaking of which, tomorrow is Holiday Heap! I will be showing my goodies at the B.E.S.T. (Baltimore Etsy Street Team) double table, along with some other very talented B.E.S.T. ladies including: VWStudios, Spa Therapy Works, Yummy and Co, Jill Popowich Designs and Green Star Studio. I will be selling many new styles not yet seen on Etsy.

In addition to our table, there will be 50 local and national artists selling nothing but handmade goodness. There will be a lot of talent there, so please do stop by!

Details:

Saturday, November 15th from 10am-5pm
St. John's Church in Charles Village
2640 St. Paul St, Baltimore, MD 21218

Rock the Vote!

Once every four years we get the chance to have our say about who our next president is. I've always taken the responsibility of voting very seriously, especially as a woman. I think about all the women who came before me who didn't officially have a voice in our election process. But, no matter whether you are a man or woman, young or old, you should exercise your right to vote today. So what do you say? Get out there and vote!

This is what it's all about

A very nice fellow Baltimore resident contacted me earlier this week for a rush order. His lady was going out of town in a couple of days and he needed some special gifts for her. I rushed to get his order of a Sweetest Flower necklace and Big Loop earrings together and arranged to meet the next day. It was so much fun to work with a local person via Etsy! Sometimes I feel strangely alienated from the people who buy my work, since I sell most of it over the Internet.

Anyway, my new Baltimore friend actually took pictures of the gift recipient with the jewelry on and sent them to me (see above). How cool is that? That really, really made my day. And, I think the pieces she received look great on her. This is truly what it's all about.

Beards!

With Halloween coming in just a couple of days, my mind is on costumes and dressing up. I love dressing up and thinking of dressing up. I own several wigs and have a box of random "dress-up" clothing acquired over the years.

Then today, I discovered this genious on Etsy. Erin, mastermind behind I Made You A Beard handmakes these super cool beards (see image). I'm kicking myself that I didn't discover her last week, as there is no way I'd be able to get one of these in time for Halloween. There is something so genious about yarn and felt beads. They are like super cool dress-up props for adults! Oh, well, maybe next year.

Indie Fixx: Indie Love

Sometimes when I'm hanging out, having a healthy dinner of salad and beer (one must balance), I like to check out all my favorite blogs just to see what's happening in the world of indie design. One of my new/old favorite indie design blogs is Indie Fixx. Actually, it's one of the first indie blogs I ever stumbled upon and it really has come a long way. Jen Wallace, the brainchild of the operation, has taken the site to a new level. There are too many cool features to mention. BUT, I will mention one that will benefit you personally.

Until November 14th, Indie Fixx is having a killer giveaway. I mean killer. Just look at all this great stuff! I'm crazy about all the goodies, but especially love the black handbag by Becky Oh! All you need to do to win is leave a comment here and you will be entered to win. Can you imagine what you would do with all this great stuff? If you do win, please, please let me know.

Holiday Art "Maul" at School 33

More good news, everyone. I was invited to participate a really cool craft show in December. This show is a last minute gift buying opportunity , taking place on Sunday, December 21 - the first day of Hannukah and just days before Christmas. All participants are selling handmade craft and artwork no bigger than a fruitcake and must cost under $100. I love the whole concept of this show: affordable, local, handmade and small. Perfection!