LUXE design~workshop

The Evolution of a Design...

2012-02-07T08:06:00.000-08:00

I had jury duty last week and spent the entire morning reading about stone setting and sketching some new designs. I was the very last person chosen to go through the jury selection process and was never questioned. Overall the day was a success! I did my civic duty and spent my free time working on creative designs.

Here are few progress shots of one of the lariat necklace designs.

I will add some more as I finish it up.

This is the sketch drawn around the stones.

This is two of the dangles after the final solder.
These will get cleaned and polished before setting the stones.

This is just a shot of the original concept with the components to show how the idea comes to life.

Still lots of work to do...

2012-02-01T14:55:00.000-08:00

Happy February!

It has been a productive year so far!

I am working hard in the studio this past month replenishing my stock

and designing some new things for 2012.

My Atlanta friends can find my work at Kudzu and

I will be showing some new work at the RAD show on Feb. 11th.

I would love to see your smiling faces!

My new goal is to try to post more studio shots and show some works in progress.

I am inspired by my fellow metal working friend Louise O' Dwyer

Who has been posting her works in progress.

~*~

Sending my worries off and away!

2011-10-26T15:45:00.000-07:00

Something recent in the shop...

2011-09-30T14:22:00.001-07:00

Some new favorite Etsy items!

2011-09-13T11:12:00.000-07:00

'Romancing Autumn...' by MetalLuxe

Debeauxsouveni... $433.00	redbrickglass $66.00	Waterrose $82.00
PassionMoonPot... $4.00	jewelsbyldesig... $235.00	ForStrangeWome... $30.00
bpoetic $35.00	MySecretFace $23.90	WildWilderness... $22.00
ing00te $73.00	BlackDaisyDesi... $27.00	ovejanegra $90.00
Itkupilli $3.95	MaisyandAlice $15.00	couvert $97.00
RootsSoapCo $25.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

When you want to play with fire!

2011-09-05T06:16:00.000-07:00

Torches!

They seem to be the subject of conversation among silversmiths, goldsmiths and metalworkers...

Some torches are great for small jobs, and others do a fine job on larger projects.

When first starting out it is hard to know what you need...

Here is a short video on torches

to help any of you who are getting ready to dive into the world of soldering jewelry!

Play safe!

Work in progress...

2011-08-30T08:12:00.000-07:00

This is just the beginning...

I am designing an entire collection of these colorful flowers!

The perfect mountain getaway!

2011-08-23T09:25:00.000-07:00

A few pictures from one of my very favorite places... The North Carolina mountains! A magical place that wraps you in a blanket of misty mornings and clear night skies, where every turn brings a new vision of peace and tranquility... Soon to be my new home!

What I do when I'm not working with metal...

2011-03-27T10:57:00.000-07:00

I like to play with food...
I prepare food for photography and film... 

I wandered my way into an incredible

 and fulfilling job.

~*~

  And I am thankful

 to everyone

 who has helped me along the way.

From my garden...

2011-02-26T11:57:00.000-08:00

Paper bush and witch hazel


Witch Hazel

Chatty Metalsmith's Blog Jamboree... cha cha cha Change...

2011-02-16T08:17:00.000-08:00

 Bye Bye, Etsy forums... 

How do we handle the inner turmoil of dealing with changes in our life... on and off line?

In real life... 
I create a wall of calm on the exterior

that foils the inner tornado that is swirling beneath...
  

Like the time...
 I was asked on a job to make a very complicated recipe,

that had multiple parts and incorporated techniques 

that were completely unfamiliar to me...

I proceeded with a tornado in my head

and a calm, one foot in front of the next approach...

A few hours later

All was well with the world!

In my cyber life...

I'm more vocal about the impulses that push and pull me.

But, I have the ability to think about things before I press the enter button.

Some days I edit more... 
some days I just put it out there... 

Change, good or bad

 will most certainly bring responses that have not been envisioned...

 I am a firm believer that good can come out of 

almost any situation.

Not all, but most.

Etsy has forced change on its members, 

taking away our forums and forcing us to create "teams"

in order to continue our discussions.

On the bad side...

It has created a rift in our group and we have splintered apart.

~

People seem to be more guarded and less sure of Etsy and its management.

Is this good for Etsy?

On the good side...

Those of us who have moved over to the 
chatty metalsmiths team

have more tools to work with.

~

We have organized discussion topics that can be used for reference.

~

The ability to keep some discussions private.

~

In the end, we may become an even closer group... 

a "team" of people who support each other 

and help to build each others businesses, 

in an organized way. 

~*~

I do miss the larger group...

I will wait this one out and see what it brings...

If you would like to read up on some of our 

"chatty metalsmiths" blogs...  

here are the links!

http://annhartleystudio.blogspot.com/

http://janedeauxmetalfabrication.blogspot.com/

http://www.nova-designs.blogspot.com/
http://bellabijoujewellery.blogspot.com/

http://2trickponystudio.blogspot.com/

http://sassyglassdesigns.blogspot.com/

http://beadsnbanglesbykim.blogspot.co

. http://kobrienjewelry.blogspot.com

http://www.artaddict.wordpress.com

http://www.abellablue.com/blog

http://glenshire-shop.blogspot.com/

http://beachstonz.blogspot.com/

Favorite objects on my bench...

2011-02-13T12:26:00.000-08:00

A simple little magnet...

When it comes time to clean up my dust

and clean the silver filings away from the steel wool

this simple magnet is the bomb!

A couple of sweeps from above and the steel

jumps up and attaches itself to the magnet.

Be careful...

these magnets are very powerful

and fragile...

Clear away all files, blocks and other steel tools...

or you will find that it takes a bit of persuasion

to pull them apart!

RAW52. 4,5,6... Ring A Week!

2011-02-13T11:25:00.000-08:00

When life brings lots of work...

compress 3 RAW posts into one!

These fun little gears gave me the idea to incorporate them into a series of rings.

And offered me the opportunity to work on some setting skills.

Each one has its own personality

but all share the collective steam-punk look.

If you would like to visit the RAW Flicker site to view other fun designs just...

Click here!

RAW52.2 ... Week two!

2011-01-16T09:49:00.000-08:00

Ring a Week part 2!

Part of my interest in joining the RAW group is to use the challenge to explore new ideas.

This week is dedicated to the adjustable

ring.

I love making rings, but I do not like sizing them...

As a solution to this I have been sketching up ideas for rings that are slightly adjustable.

I have sketched several different styles, but most designs focus on a band that splits and wraps around itself.

This first try features a hand cut and formed flower with tendrils.

If you would like to see all of the other fun rings...

click here...

http://www.flickr.com/groups/ringaweek/

RAW... Ring A Week!

2011-01-11T08:31:00.000-08:00

Last year a Ring A Day challenge began on the first of January.

I was interested, but knew that I could never keep up...

I did check in on all of the fun creations that came out of it.

This year a new challenge has begun,

a little more suitable for someone like myself,

who is not a full time jewelry artist.

The new challenge is to create one ring a week!

The group is open to all and is very supportive.

If you would like to check in and see what

artist are creating...

http://www.flickr.com/groups/ringaweek/

just click!

Here is my first ring...

It's a brand new year!

2011-01-08T17:17:00.000-08:00

Resolutions... did you make any?

This new year I have simplified my expectations to just

a couple of lifestyle changes...

Our house has been pretty empty for the past few years
with our children away at school.

This January we have a new roommate...
she is 23 (as of the 6th) and has her eyes on travel and adventure!
This new year brings us together again and together we will settle into a new rhythm...

Resolution #1...

Try to be respectful and listen more carefully...

This past year was an incredible growing experience for my metalworking passions...

Along the way I had become a bit too committed to my "studio" time
and found that some of the more mundane domestic responsibilities
were falling short on the "accomplished" list...

Resolution #2...
Work studio time in around household responsibilities...
~
My brain is exploding with ideas for this new year!

Santa was nice enough to put a couple of new toys under my tree and I am looking forward
to getting to know them and see how they will change my work...

Additionally, I purchased a bunch of fabulous hand dyed silk ribbons last year
and my mind is working away at finding ways to add them to
add a new texture and splash of color!

Not really a resolution, just a additional incentive to be playful...
~

I hope that any and all who read over this post, enjoy a new year that is filled

with the love of family and friends,

good health

and financial security...

May the Joy's of the World be with you in 2011!

2011-01-07T14:42:00.000-08:00

Just a little peek of winter in a small town in Iowa.

This picture was taken the day after Christmas. We woke to the blanket of freezing frost!

It turned the town into an ethereal wonderland.

What a magical view to see on our last morning in Iowa!

On my work bench

2010-10-28T13:31:00.000-07:00

Anthropology earrings, textured hoop earrings and one pair of peacock inspired earrings!

A little bit of what is going on in my studio...

Time is short...

Holiday shows begin next week.....

100 years and counting......

2010-10-25T08:05:00.000-07:00

This year we are celebrating our homes 100th year! Built in 1910, she has survived the changes of the times.

This was one of the first homes built in the neighborhood. At the time this was a new and "segregated" development with a trolley running down the street... one of the new homes with electric lighting. Today the neighborhood is diverse and thriving with shops, restaurants and bistros within an easy walk.

She survived the depression of '29 and was divided into apartments in the forty's after the war ended and the soldiers returned home. The area took a downturn in the seventy's when the Marta rail was developed. Speculators wanted to reinvent the area with apartments and condos, Properties were purchased and the homes were allowed to fall into disrepair...

We purchased this home in "96. Moved in just before Halloween, exhausted and aching, we sat down at the end of the day and watched game 6, the Atlanta Braves vs the New York Yankees in the world series...

In this home, we have raised our children into adults, celebrated successes and endured the loss of loved ones. All in a nurturing atmosphere that somehow seems to come from the house itself.

Over the years we have made a few improvements and tried to keep the beast of age from overtaking her, this home has nurtured our family for the last fourteen years.

This week we finished the last area that had not been restored... The stairway! We stripped layers of paint away and revealed the hardwood floors and hand rails, bring back the original beauty of the area as it was designed.

Now, as I look around... other areas of the house are ready for new paint and floor refinishing........ 'D

Happy October!

2010-10-01T07:02:00.000-07:00

Welcome Fall!

To celebrate I am pulling out my autumn hued gemstones!

It is time to hit the water.....

2010-08-30T14:39:00.000-07:00

Wow! The weather has finally broken...

Unbelievable heat this summer and now for the first time in weeks I can walk outside and breath.

My mind slips off to re~live autumn camping trips and splashing kids in the North Ga rivers...

Maybe a trip to the ocean is due...

An earring army for a wedding posse

2010-07-21T11:17:00.000-07:00

Feeding the Hungry

2009-11-18T12:02:00.000-08:00

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.

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...

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.

Here is the link to Feeding America and the Atlanta Community Food Bank. http://feedingamerica.org/
http://acfb.org/

Fall is just around the corner...

2009-08-20T08:58:00.001-07:00

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...

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...

Happy Summer!

2009-07-31T16:14:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-05-29T09:39:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-05-06T06:32:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-04-29T11:05:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-04-11T13:36:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-03-21T10:33:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-03-11T13:15:00.001-07:00

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

2009-03-01T10:49:00.000-08:00

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

Free little knot ring!

2009-02-26T12:31:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-02-22T13:54:00.000-08:00

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

2008-10-08T14:36:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-09-30T06:38:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-09-10T09:48:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-09-04T10:53:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-08-22T10:20:00.000-07:00

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!