The Evolution of a Design...

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...

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.

~*~

The perfect mountain getaway!

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!

Catching up and some NEW designs!

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!

Learning to enamel with Linda Darty's new book!

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.

Free little knot ring!

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!

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!