Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Vintage bead woes

One of the saddest things about selling vintage beads is that once I sell out of them, I usually can't ever get them again. Whenever I go through my scans folder and delete pictures, I often pause for a second and mourn the cool beads that I once sold.

Right now the last of a set of pendants is up for sale:



It's just such a unique and beautiful pendant. I believe they were originally made for lampshades, and the woman on the pendant is inspired by Isadora Duncan, the famous dancer. I'll be so sad to sell this last one. At least I know it'll go to a good home!

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Off to another show!

I'm scampering off to spend the rest of the week with friends, and then on Sunday I'll be at the Suburban Bead Encounter at the Holiday Inn Select in Naperville, IL. If you're there, stop by and say hi!

Sunday, April 11, 2010

A new world in a bottle

It's been so long since I tried anything new. Like...really new. I took a few metalsmithing classes a while ago, but I'd already taken a metalsmithing class, and some of the topics were familiar.

But experimenting with these copper blanks will take me far out of my comfort zone. I'm excited and a little fearful. My brain teems with images. It also reminds me how much I've spent on supplies and how disappointed people might be by the end product.

I have to remind myself that without taking that first step, no journey will ever occur. It's okay for it not to be a rousing success. It's okay if nothing comes out of it at all. The important part of this is trying something new. Remembering that there are new doors all around us.



This is just an ordinary canister filled with salt water. There isn't anything magical or special about it. It's a good beginning. Water and salt, basic things.

I remember thinking about fingerpainting recently. Does anyone ask What's the point of fingerpainting? It isn't the art created. It's the feeling of the paint on your fingertips, the touch of paint to page. It's about suppressing the rational mind and letting something new form, something which may or may not contribute to the gross national product.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Nearly ready to begin

I've purchased what I hope is the last set of items I need to start my experimentation. I'll start saturating the salt tonight into the water, and hopefully I'll have some preliminary pieces by next week! I'm so excited. It's been ages since I did anything creative like this.

Monday, April 5, 2010

Real life intrudes, as always

It's been a really crazy couple weeks--I'm still trying to get caught up with my eBay listings and Etsy. I plan on restocking both shops very soon--hopefully within then next few days.

I'm beginning to really get excited about my copper blank experimentation. I've decided to transform my sun porch into a workroom. Lots of light, lots of ventilation, and a great view of our backyard. I think it'll work out well. I'll post pictures soon.