LUXE design~workshop

Feeding the Hungry

luxe-design@hotmail.com (Peg) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:02:00 +0000

There is nothing more basic and important than the excitement of holiday meals and special treats. Deep within us all are the memories of pumpkin pies... roasted turkey... perfect whipped potatoes... and special bites that have been handed down by culture, religious tradition and family.

The holidays are here and there are many... many folks and children that are not secure in their ability to eat a nourishing meal each and every day... much less have a wonderful holiday table laden with glorious foods. This year and for many more to come I will be donating a percentage of my sales to help feed the hungry. I have a tendency to take food for granted.

I live in a world surrounded by delicious and exotic foods. As a food stylist I receive cases of food to prepare one dish for the camera. We are careful to keep foods protected so that the leftovers can be given to organizations that have soup kitchens, and any product that we handle is tossed... Because of my intimate relationship with food, I am dismayed by the thought of so many people going without a good healthy meal daily.

The economy is still struggling and many middle class families have slipped into unemployment due to no fault of their own. Food banks are struggling to keep up with the expanded need... It is always a good time to help organizations that are doing good deeds and helping those who are not able to help themselves, but this year it seems especially important to me to help all that I can. My husband lost his job this year and even though we had a plan to insure our financial security we were only a few months away from financial crises... The money we had put away was in the wrong place! Luckily, none of that came to be... he is working again and we are taking more precautions, but many were not so lucky.

If you are interested in donating time or money to Feeding America or your local food bank you can follow the links below. Feeding America has links to most local food banks and offers many ways that you can help out. There are always families within your community that need assistance. This is a great time to organize friends and family to donate canned goods at holiday gatherings or school events. Your local food bank will have lots of ideas.

Here is the link to Feeding America and the Atlanta Community Food Bank. http://feedingamerica.org/
http://acfb.org/
Wishing you all a very happy holiday!

Fall is just around the corner...

luxe-design@hotmail.com (Peg) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 15:58:00 +0000

Fall is just around the corner and I am SO wanting to get out and enjoy the cooler weather! I know... lots of people love the summer. They don't mind the heat and the bugs, they like to get suntanned and be outside in the hottest of weather. But... I gotta say that I am a cool weather girl. Let me bundle up and go outside seeing the steam off my breath! I yearn for my outdoor fireplace to be burning each night while I curl up in a chair and enjoy conversation with friends and family... Just writing these words makes me want to go through my scarf drawer...!

We southerners don't really get any truly cold weather, but as the days grow shorter my mind slips away and thinks about the refreshing breeze that is just around the corner... waiting for the leaves to turn and start their gentle decent to the ground, piling up in yards and setting the scene for Halloween and Thanksgiving.

While I anxiously await the cool weather I will continue to work away in the studio... Now instead of envisioning my current creations accessorizing summer fashions, I see them wrapped in shawls and wearing cashmere and wool... More long necklaces with leather and substance...

I will wait patiently for the first cool dry air... starting today! xo

Happy Summer!

luxe-design@hotmail.com (Peg) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 23:14:00 +0000

Sorry that I have been so neglectful on posting. One day seems to fly into the next and before I know it the week is over.

We have enjoyed a beautiful summer (so far) in Atlanta. Spring was cooler than usual and summer has followed it's lead. Unlike the last couple of years, this one has provided lots of rain showers and the garden looks very happy. That is to say except for the weeds who seem to enjoy the abundant rain too!

This year must be a big cicada year... I have seen a few laying around, their little lives all done. It has been to warm to open the windows lately but I am sure that the noise is impressive. It makes me glad to not be driving at dusk in the thick of cicada season... Been there!

In addition to the cicada there are all of those other insects that make me want to stay inside during the hot months. I'm sure there was a master plan involving the need for all of these annoying bugs, but really... some of them must have been a mistake! For now I go out with bug spray and off coils lighting my way.

I hope that the rest of you are having a great summer filled with fireflies, flowers and summer showers!

Catching up and some NEW designs!

luxe-design@hotmail.com (Peg) — Fri, 29 May 2009 16:39:00 +0000

Spring has been a busy time for me and while I have a virtual stream of ideas running through my head... I have not been able to actually create as much as I would like. I have several things started and "in process" in addition to working on production pieces and I have continued to study form-folding and manipulation techniques on copper and silver. At this time I am finishing a class on texture and stone setting skills.

I did get off to Franklin N.C. to the wholesale gem show and picked up some fabulous South Sea pearls... which I have had a burning desire to dive into!

Despite the slow economy people are still calling me and my food styling business has been steady. I manage to keep semi-regular studio hours and overall life has been very good!

Camping adventures in the RAIN!

luxe-design@hotmail.com (Peg) — Wed, 06 May 2009 13:32:00 +0000

I would not call it a total WASH OUT, but the weather did not give us many breaks on our weekend away camping! As carefully as I studied the radar and local forecast...at some point I just make a leap of faith and pack up and hit the road!

Don't get me wrong... I'm no passy pants! A good storm is always an adventure and in the North Georgia mountains a daily shower is to be expected. It's the non-stop drizzle and unending drip that can get me down. I just want the sun to shine enough to take a few good pics.

No doubt there is talent and perseverance involved in making a wet trip a success! Luckily I am married to the guy who is prepared for every weather event known to man... We have figured out that if you can stay warm and dry... even in a driving rain... you can have a good time!

We are very organized and set up with precision, Tent and canopy before the first celebratory cocktail! Rain does not wait... The tent is always sealed against leaks... we have a great lightweight canopy that has served us well for years... we carry extra small tarps to setup over the fire (just in case)... and rope of all sizes... you never know!

Even though our weekend was wetter than expected we had a lot of fun, friends came and visited knowing that it was likely that our time would be huddled around a picnic table... We did get a break and get to go off for a short hike, and I took a few pics.

Luxe design~workshop is now at 1000Markets!

luxe-design@hotmail.com (Peg) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 18:05:00 +0000

I am now selling my jewelry at 1000Markets! It is a wonderful site with a compassionate and diverse community. Most of the work listed on the site are my metal designs, but I will soon include a collection of my gemstone jewelry.

If you can... stop by and visit. And... while you are there check out some of the other shops and markets. I think that you will like the atmosphere.

Here is the link to my shop: http://luxemetal.1000markets.com

Have fun!

My day job...

luxe-design@hotmail.com (Peg) — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 20:36:00 +0000

I just thought that I would post a blog about my "official" job... For the past 18 years I have been a freelance food stylist in the Atlanta area. I love what I do and often find that people are curious about the details of such an unusual vocation.

I had never heard the term "food stylist" until I happened to meet a food stylist at a wedding many years ago... I was immediately curious and excited! It was not until years later (after my son was born) that I had the opportunity to begin working with her and learning more about the field.

People ask me how did I get started? It was just luck! The seed was planted at that wedding years before and I stayed in touch with that stylist. It just happened that she needed an assistant at a time when I could jump in.

Things were so different then... Camera's that shot film... It took 90 seconds each time a Polaroid was taken to access the shot! That seemed like eternity when you had food drying up on the set! There was no healing brush on a computer to remove pins or toothpicks that were used as support in a shot... If you did not hide them... it was big trouble! In addition to digital cameras and Photoshop the food itself has changed so much!

Today we have what seems like an unlimited supply of beautiful produce. It is really annoying when a client wants peaches and there are none available... anywhere in the world! We are so spoiled...

My style today is looser and more about appetite appeal than it was back in the 90's when clients were looking for a more controlled "perfect" image. Digital photography allows us to get a shot while the food is still really fresh and not worry as much about the little pins and such that can be removed with the press of a button.

I feel like a very fortunate person to have landed such an unusual and fun job. When I talk to young people I tell them to think outside the box and not just focus on jobs that are the most common. There are lots of great jobs out there that we don't even know exist! Explore!

I am including a few images that I styled a couple of years ago. These are images from a really fun job that focused on bread. The Photographer is Carlos Garcia of Garcia Studios Inc.

Simple Things...

luxe-design@hotmail.com (Peg) — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 17:33:00 +0000

Last spring I went camping in North Georgia with family and friends and stayed at Cooper's creek campground. I woke in the morning to the clear and LOUD call of the whippoorwill and spent my days observing the simple things that I often overlook in my daily life. I was particularly drawn to the carpet of new flora that was so beautiful and lush!
In looking back through some of these older photos I am amused by how I have been unknowingly incorporating them into my work. Flower stems, leaves, pods... I guess they have imprinted my mind with their sweet and simple images.
The weather is warming here in Georgia and I am getting anxious for a new camping adventure!

Learning to enamel with Linda Darty's new book!

luxe-design@hotmail.com (Peg) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 20:15:00 +0000

I just read "The Art of Enameling" by Linda Darty and it was GREAT! I have been wanting to explore some enameling in my metal designs and heard about her book. I was told that the book's photo gallery was reason enough to purchase it.... So true, beautiful work, incredible photos and close attention to the details as she explains different techniques and processes.

As a beginner I like to explore many different techniques and let my knowledge of a given subject guide me in future efforts. Linda explains the different processes in a easy to understand fashion and completely covered my initial interest.... torch firing, small kilns and incorporating precious metal clay with enamels, as well as plant a seed to move onto more complex projects.

So far I have just experimented with small kiln projects. Learning how thick to apply enamel to provide an even coat and figuring out how to get the powder to adhere to surfaces. I ordered a sample box of enamels from Thompson Enamels and I must admit that I am as fascinated as I am overwhelmed by all of the different color choices! My attempts are still in an infantile stage, but I am having a great time experimenting.

If you are familiar with enameling and would like to offer suggestions on technique or materials... Please feel free to add your knowledge. I would enjoy learning more about what products you use to adhere the enamel powder as well as tricks that you have learned.

I dedicated a full day to reading the book initially and have gone back several times to study a process more fully. I can tell that this book will get a great deal of use over time and would recommend it to anyone who loves enamel work and would like to learn more about it.

Thunder Snow in Atlanta

luxe-design@hotmail.com (Peg) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 18:49:00 +0000

Celebrating a bit of snow right here in the deep south!

Free little knot ring!

luxe-design@hotmail.com (Peg) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 20:31:00 +0000

I have been trying to think of a way to say thanks to those people who purchase more than one item at a time...? It happens on a regular basis and recently I figured out what to offer. My little knot ring is the perfect little token. Its handmade by me, symbolizes something sweet and it is more about my effort than the cost of the materials.
So here it is...
Visit my shop at http://www.metalluxe.etsy.com

I am on fire now!

luxe-design@hotmail.com (Peg) — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 21:54:00 +0000

After months of working with a small hand torch I came to the point were it was time to go for the big flame and get an oxy/propane torch! I had requested it for Christmas and was researching torch setups when I saw a friend at a gallery show I was in. After checking out my new work he asked about what type of torch I was using. I told him my setup and he mentioned that he had a torch setup that had been his dads, that I could have...
It arrived with the handle and various tips, plus the regulators for the tanks. It is a beautiful set. I would guess it to be from the fifty's. It has a lovely patina. It still took a bit of time to get the hose, tanks and odds and ends together, but finally it is up and running!
I do feel special working with this setup. Not sure how his dad used the torch, but now it is making jewelry, firing enamels and soldering silver and copper! I have always been attracted to used tools... the stories they must have... the ways that they have been abused, and cared for... I can tell that this torch was cared for by its former owner and now by me too!

Metal~Luxe

luxe-design@hotmail.com (Peg) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 21:36:00 +0000

Please stop by my new shop!

I have divided the Urban Luxe collection away from my existing Luxe Couture collection and given it a shop of its own... Already I can tell that the two are going to be happier on their own.

If you stop by and decide to purchase something put in the code blog10 and get a 10% discount!

WWW.metalluxe.etsy.com

PEARLS and their care!

luxe-design@hotmail.com (Peg) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:38:00 +0000

As many of you know... I love pearls!

Some of my very favorite and most precious jewelry items are pearls that have been given to me by my wonderful husband, or pearls that I have inherited from my mother and grand mother.

I love working with pearls and incorporating them in my jewelry designs. For this reason I thought that it would be good to give you a bit of info on how to care for them.

While they will last for generations it is important to take care with them and inspect them for problems. Just as you would have other jewelry inspected occasionally for wear, have your pearls looked at too.

Pearls are more fragile than most other gemstones, so you should handle them carefully to keep them safe from scratches.

Here are a few tips on caring for your pearls

put your pearls on after you have applied make-up and perfume.
You can clean your pearls with a soft, lint free cloth before and after wearing
If you want you can dampen the cloth. Allow the pearls to air dry before storing them in a soft container or bag that allows them to breath.
Take off all pearl jewelry before bathing. And, gemstone jewelry too. Shower and bath soaps are too harsh for pearls.
You can clean pearls with a mild soap and water solution (Ivory).
Never use solutions that contain ammonia or harsh detergents.
Pearls can not be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner.
Rubbing pearls with abrasive cleaners or clothes can wear away the nacre coating.
You can actually remove the coating of the pearl.
Don't store your pearls with other jewelry. They can be scratched when metal or gemstones rub against them. Keep them in a soft bag made from chamois or another soft fabric.
Restring your favorite pearl necklaces and bracelets periodically so that you're sure the silk or nylon cord holding them is in good shape.
If you notice any problems with the clasp, cord or extra slack in the piece stop wearing it and have it checked out for problems.
Last, but not least... Wear your pearls! Take them out and give them some air and attention.

Atlanta Fall Showcase!

luxe-design@hotmail.com (Peg) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:48:00 +0000

Atlanta area locals... if you happen to live in the Atlanta area or plan to visit during the weekend of October 4, 2008, please stop by for the First Annual Hand Crafted Fall Showcase.

A group of local Atlanta Etsy artist will be having a private backyard show. It will be like going to your own personal art festival.

Fall Showcase Featured Artists Include:

Vessels And Wares, Inkspot Workshop, The Funk y Shack, Jess Gonacha, Easy Edges, Istanbul Designs , R epaper, Luxe Design W orkshop.

We are planning on a beautiful fall day and would love for you to join us.

If you would like to stop by, just send me an email and I will give you directions. Thanks and feel free to spread the word.

luxe-design@hotmail.com (Peg) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 17:53:00 +0000

We took off a few days and drove up to North Carolina. The weather was great and it was really nice to get away from the Atlanta heat.

First night we stayed in Asheville and visited some gallery's and a couple of pubs. The next morning we got up early and headed up to Mt Mitchell. The weather was foggy and raining, but from past experience I know that is to be expected! We set up camp and setteled in...

Woke up in the night and went out... the sky was clear and the stars were amazing! We had perfect conditions for the next three days.

Sunday afternoon it started fogging up again the wind changed direction and started to blow and our extra layers of clothing started piling on! The rain came and it poured all night long. If you have never been to Mt Mitchell I can tell you that when the wind decideds to blow ... it is all that you can hear! The side of the tent snapped and blew in all night long. It was great!

I have never been a fan of packing up wet gear, but it was well worth it!

Welcome to my new BLOG!

luxe-design@hotmail.com (Peg) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 17:20:00 +0000

Welcome to my newly hatched blog... This should add a few new brain cells to my diminishing supply as I try to wrap my head around all of this new stuff!

Luxe design~workshop is the business name of my jewelry shop. I have been creating jewelry for some time now and focus on high quality gemstones, pearls, and precious metals. In addition to my jewelry business I am a freelance food stylist... A job that I love and feel so fortunate to have fallen into!

In the meantime... feel free to leave comments and links to other interesting things and I will try to post something every day as I get more comfortable with all of these new gadgets!