Summer! You know what that means...
The world of fine craft really comes alive in summertime. Craft fair season begins and we artists come out of our studios to hit the road to and share our craft in person. I’m gearing up for a busy summer season and look forward to catching up with everyone at a craft fair near you.
I'm bringing my jewelry to the Mount Washington Valley Farmers Market on June 28th at the North Conway Community Center, and then it’s on to Art in the Park in Petoskey, Michigan, July 16, and then the League of NH Craftmen’s Annual Fair at Mount Sunapee Resort in August. I’ve updated my events page so you can follow along and find me.
Wrap Up 2021 and Tie It with a Bow
Well, it’s not exactly a bow…but I like to think of my Beach Stone Pendants as pre-wrapped gifts, with the shiny silver ribbon hugging the stone so you can keep it close to your heart.
No Time to Hibernate
The limited-edition Flow series of pendants grew from the summer flurry of activity. These one-of-a-kind pieces combine my signature leaf texture, favorite metalsmithing techniques—enhanced by Keum-Boo—and beautiful gemstones, and they are now in the shop. Visit my website for new work, one-of-a-kind pieces and, of course, customer favorites.
The Power of Community
It’s essential for me to see how you react to and respond to my art, to learn what kind of jewelry resonates with you and ultimately puts a smile on your face. To see your face brighten when you try on a necklace or a pair of earrings or feel the weight of a bangle on your wrist adds meaning, gives me purpose, and inspires me.
Back to My Happy Place
As a visual artist, I have several happy places. Obviously, working in my studio, creating handcrafted jewelry is number one. If you’ve read some of my past blog posts, you also know that the great outdoors is another happy place for me. The natural world is where I get my inspiration, thus, nature-inspired jewelry.
Another equally special place is craft fairs. Being able to show my work and see my customers in person means the world to me, and I’m so excited that craft fairs are back this summer. I truly enjoy meeting and engaging with you, face-to-face, learning what resonates with you when you look for handcrafted jewelry, and giving you a chance to touch and try on your purchases.
Another equally special place is craft fairs. Being able to show my work and see my customers in person means the world to me, and I’m so excited that craft fairs are back this summer. I truly enjoy meeting and engaging with you, face-to-face, learning what resonates with you when you look for handcrafted jewelry, and giving you a chance to touch and try on your purchases.
The Ephemeral Life of a Circle
What is it about the circle, that ephemeral form you see in everyday objects and nature? Such a simple form can generate so many ideas. My Mandala Collection started with this simple shape and is ever evolving. In the collection’s signature texture, each indentation is, roughly, a circle and builds on the circular theme in an organic sort of way.
From Snow Tires to Craft Fairs
After this crazy pandemic year, the prospect of gathering in person is a lot like the anticipation of spring in the mountains. The availability of vaccines for everyone and the cautious, slow lifting of restrictions keeps me optimistic that in-person fine craft shows will be a thing again this summer.
Light the Torch!
Open the tank valve, turn up the pressure and light the torch! It is time to solder, to run liquid metal across a surface to create a strong connection that bonds two pieces of metal into one.
Rings in the New Year
New jewelry designs for 2021 are in the works. I recently added the Zoe Ring to my collection. More rings and designs that pair well and complement current collections are also in the lineup for 2021. Keep an eye on my website for new work.
When Making Jewelry Is Like Baking Cookies
Jewelry making is similar to baking in some ways. I work like an elf in my studio from basic ingredients and transform them into shiny personal adornments for gift giving and putting some sparkle on. People often ask me how I make my textures, such as the leaf texture. So I thought I’d share a look at my process, which is a bit like baking cookies.
Fall Is In the Air, and It Feels Good
The weather has cooled down, and I have taken a few opportunities to get out in my big backyard and explore the trails and mountaintops. I am truly grateful to live in a rural location, able to breath fresh air outside and observe seasonal changes.
The Hidden Secret of the Rosemary Leaf
Have you ever looked at the underside of a rosemary leaf? The top side is fairly smooth, but if you look at what is going on underneath you might be surprised. I like to design based on patterns and textures that I see and experience. Most of the time I make the changes to be clear that they are loose interpretations...