Craft Therapy

Finally had a class!!!

So, I'm very enthused that I finally had a class at Grand River Beads!! That is, we've scheduled them, but no sign-ups-- until last week. Ok, so there were only 2 folks, but I was still very energized.... and what they made was FABULOUS!! Unfortunately, I didn't bring my camera to snap a pic, but maybe I can cajole them into sending me one. In the meanwhile, I made some focal components for demos..... and I think my sister has dibs on the blue one for a Christmas present!

Soldering fool with my new Weller

So I'm a soldering fool now.... no longer just a fool! Finally broke in my Weller 100 soldering iron, and to working up some jewelry pieces using broken china that I bought on Ebay. Yeah, I know, with my temper it's a miracle that I didn't make my own..... but I was intrigued by what I could buy that was already "ground" a little. Anywhoo, I also got excited soldering the little rings on.... with little pearly dangles attached!!

Poly clay swirlie beads for GRB demo

I found a tutorial online at Desiree's Desired Creations to make these groovy "swirlie" beads, and now I'm hooked! Made some at home yesterday, and these scrumptious green ones in the "Offistudio" today... can't wait to glaze them & see the colors POP!!! Really, who know Future Floor Wax could be so exciting??!!!??

This is what I'm going to demo on Saturday at Grand River Beads!!!

Classes at Grand River Beads at Silverthorne

More fun to come at Grand River Beads! I'm going to be doing a "demo day" there this Saturday, Nov. 3rd.... just mostly sitting around making polymer bead-y goodness, chatting folks up. Kind of a pre-show to the "Intro To Polymer Clay" focal component necklace class there on Thursday, Nov. 8th.  The necklace class is $38.00 and includes all of the clay, beads, tools, and "stuff!" Can't wait! I'm so enthused about some of the new collaborations with Mary and Eva, it's always exciting to drop in and see what we'll all come up with next! If you are in the Cleveland area, directions to the Silverthorne Gallery, home of Grand River Beads, is here.

More PolyClay goodies...

I was working on some more polyclay items a few weeks ago, and never got them posted.... I guess I'm in my autumn mode... everything is "leafy."
It certainly is my favorite season... Ohio/PA falls are marvelous..... and my anniversary is right in the middle of it all!

Autumn Goodness

Ugh. I am filled with self-loathing because I haven't posted in such a while... the good news is that I've been making...and out living. I'm starting a new folder today- "Inspirations" of photos I've been out taking.  Today's inspiration is from last weekend's field trip to Szalay's Farm in Peninsula, OH... our favorite place to pick out pumpkins, apples, indian corn...and to eat fresh apple fritters and wander the corn maze!
Today's Inspiration photo:

I've already been playing around with it-- changing up the color saturation. We'll see where it goes. Now, I have to mention that the first week of October I took a class from Velda Newman. Great lady, AMAZING quilts. She's big into drawing her own templates and painting each component. When I mentioned that I had some sketches that I'd like to translate into quilt art- that I could use some commerical fabric- she told me, "Make your own. It's your art. Don't cheat by using someone else's fabric." Profound. I might have to try her techniques with this photo. 

So OK, one more thing. I LOVE collaboration and/or challenges... I like to see how other folks interpret a theme, use a fabric, etc.... so if you'd like to use this photo, please drop me a line through my Yahoo Groups.... (go ahead as if to sign up, but let me know you want to use a photo.... and I'll e-mail it to you.)

Jewelry with a message- Strength

So this is really what I LOVE to do. Make jewelry specifically for people, for a special purpose. This one, unfortunately, isn't so happy. It was for my sisters' sister-in-law, who was abruptly faced with a painful separation and divorce. It really blindsided her. So I wanted to reach out with some sisterly love and support. I used the sterling silver affirmation charm "strength", and wired up some gemstone chips: carnelian for strength, aquamarine for calm, amethyst for insight and wisdom (and her son's birthstone), and a few Swarovskis for sparkle. (They seem to be my trademark!) I used a delicate little chain to lasso the charm, and made it just long enough so that when she looks down- maybe in a tough moment- it's right there. Reminding her that we love her and she can stay strong through the hardest times. Love you, J.

Take a minute to see the close ups in the Jewelry folder... it looks better there!

New Pic of Jenny

So, I've been blogging for over a year, and my picture was from Nov. 2005! My hair has gotten longer, and my wrinkles pronounced. You deserve to see the "real" me....

Sample for Polyclay class

I just finished a sample for the advanced focal bead class I'm going to teach at Grand River.... which is funny, because I haven't taught the beginner class yet! (Next week....) But I was so happy with the way this turned out- the component, the weaving, and the lucious fall colors of the gemstone beads & pearls....well...just am lovin' it. Extra pics in the Jewelry folder!

And now onto Polyclay Jewelry!

I'm teaching my first class at Grand River Beads at the Silverthorne Gallery in Rocky River. It'll be on Friday, September 28th, from 6-9 PM. The cost is $38.00-- and I'm supplying the clay, mica powders, stamps, and all tools necessary. You may bring some extra beads to finish off your necklace, or pick from the beautiful selection they have there. I'm so excited! This will be my first "formal" (not really) class- and The Gals at the Silverthorne Gallery are fabulous.  More pics to come..... all of my samples are at the store.