Thursday, August 30, 2007
AGHHHH!
My fairly new (8 months old) computer has just crashed on me. I cant even begin to tell you how frustrated i am. Literally, it doesnt even turn on. And the last time it did, the screen was total static, just like a tv station that doesnt come in. I really dont think computers are supposed to do that! So now I have to ship it back to HP so they can repair it in "7-9 business day". And by repair, i do mean factory restoring it, or giving me a new one. I can think of a few choice 4-letter words to insert here. I am loosing EVERYTHING!!! My songs, website files, favorite links... you name it. The ONLY good thing I will say is that i was able to back up all my photos. And that is what would truly break my heart..im just sentimental like that! So anyway...this ranting post does actually make me feel better, so thanks for listening.
One more day of work then a long weekend that i am REALLY looking forward too! The Kenny Chesney concert was AMAZING, and Im going ot the John Michael Montgomery concert tomorrow at the Maryland State Fair. geeze, im so country! My cousins wedding is the weekend, so lots of family is in town, and im sure that is how i will spend most of my weekend. I do hope to get some work done, and I will keep you posted!
One more day of work then a long weekend that i am REALLY looking forward too! The Kenny Chesney concert was AMAZING, and Im going ot the John Michael Montgomery concert tomorrow at the Maryland State Fair. geeze, im so country! My cousins wedding is the weekend, so lots of family is in town, and im sure that is how i will spend most of my weekend. I do hope to get some work done, and I will keep you posted!
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Blue Ornamental Necklace
Here is my latest necklace! I know the details are hard to see, so Im adding some more detailed pictures as well. I can honestly say that this piece doesn't feel like "me", but I really love it. Maybe that's a good thing... working outside my comfort zone etc. Im working on a butter yellow colored one next, because according to InStyle, yellow is all the rage this summer. Woops, summer is pretty much over...I had the settings cast, and its pre-fab chain. A little differnt than what Im used to doing, but I can make a lot more in less time...thats a plus! Each image is hand drawn and colored as always, and each one is differnt.
Ive had the last two days off, and i have been painting my bedroom, and cleaning my apt. I plan on staying up late tonight working, and im really excited! Im hoping to bust a few more things out, and I'll keep you posted!
P.S. Kenny Chesney concert tomorrow... CANT WAIT!
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Discoveries and frustrations...
I have made 2 nice discoveries today:
Thanks to a comment from Megan Auman on another blog I was reading, I linked to the DC Craft mofia website. I found there online forum to be very interesting, as well as informative. They are discussing etsy, local shows and good reads among other things. I also discovered that like the Charm City Craft Mofia, they do seasonal sales. I missed the boat on their holiday sale this year, but ive made note of it for next year. Their blog and forum is definitely worth checking out!
Another website for you to check out: Anne Brown from the Goode Huswife. She and my mom are friends, and have started a new company together to sell there work. They are currently in the process of having a new website made. Im loving all the witches Anne has been doing, and cant wait to see what they come up with next!
1. I have wireless Internet at work. YES!!!!!!!!!!!!
2. The DC Craft Mofia's website.
Thanks to a comment from Megan Auman on another blog I was reading, I linked to the DC Craft mofia website. I found there online forum to be very interesting, as well as informative. They are discussing etsy, local shows and good reads among other things. I also discovered that like the Charm City Craft Mofia, they do seasonal sales. I missed the boat on their holiday sale this year, but ive made note of it for next year. Their blog and forum is definitely worth checking out!
My reason for being frustrated? Why do i ALWAYS stumble onto great show opportunities literally 1 week past the application deadline. ALWAYS!!!!!!
Another website for you to check out: Anne Brown from the Goode Huswife. She and my mom are friends, and have started a new company together to sell there work. They are currently in the process of having a new website made. Im loving all the witches Anne has been doing, and cant wait to see what they come up with next!Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Rock My World
Question: Best music to get pumped in the studio or just in general? I always like to hear what works for other people, and I may discover some new tunes at the same time. Reply as a comment for everyone to see!
My list:
The Way I Are- Timbaland and Keri Hilson
Somebody Told Me- The Killers
Smooth Criminal- Michael Jackson
Slave- Britney Spears (yes, i am embarassed)
SexyBack- Justin (not embarssed at all)
Kelly Clarkson- Miss Independent
Naive- The Kooks
Clothes Off- Gym Class Hero's
The Saints are Coming- U2 with Green Day
Just waiting for the new Matchbox 20 to come out...its gonna be good!!
Song I NEVER want to hear again: Hey there Delilah
This is a hand-cut paper image of a clef music note that i found on ArabesqueArtsbyDarcy's etsy shop. Very cool! What patients she must have!
My list:
The Way I Are- Timbaland and Keri Hilson
Somebody Told Me- The Killers
Smooth Criminal- Michael Jackson
Slave- Britney Spears (yes, i am embarassed)
SexyBack- Justin (not embarssed at all)
Kelly Clarkson- Miss Independent
Naive- The Kooks
Clothes Off- Gym Class Hero's
The Saints are Coming- U2 with Green Day
Just waiting for the new Matchbox 20 to come out...its gonna be good!!
Song I NEVER want to hear again: Hey there Delilah
This is a hand-cut paper image of a clef music note that i found on ArabesqueArtsbyDarcy's etsy shop. Very cool! What patients she must have!
Monday, August 20, 2007
Fall Ring
Given a choice, nine times out of ten i will choose the cool blue/green colors opposed to the warm yellows and reds. Lately though, i have been really drawn to these colors. Maybe Im subliminally attracted to them because they remind me of fall, my favorite season that i am impatiently waiting for. Who knows... I just know that i am loving my new ring. I wish the photo showed the depth of the ring, it really doesn't do the ring justice. Its the same silver setting as the black and white ring, just with another design set into it. The silver in this ring is also oxidized to compliment the black lines in the drawing. This photo just reminds me that its time to call the professionals in for photography. I think that is at the top of my priority list for tomorrow.
And in unrelated news, I had a dream last night that 523 had marked me as a favorite shop on etsy. I was ecstatic. Not sure if its a bad sign im dreaming about that, but today i made it to 16! Gotta start somewhere...
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Happy Sunday
Today was the last day of the first international gem and jewelry show fall 2007 season. So that meant i drove down to Chantilly VA with my mom to buy some totally unnecessary beads and stones. I have SO many of both already that I have yet to do anything with, but how can you resist buying more...! Tables upon tables of bead strands laid out to cover the Chantilly Expo center, as well as precious stones in every shape and color you can imagine. I did maintain some self control, but I can promise you some good things are in the works. I was also happy to pick up several feet of sterling chain...no more jump ring soldering...hallelujah.
I highly recommend visiting one of these shows when they come to your area (they travel all over the US). It is impossible not to find something to spark your creativity!! My only warning is; be prepared to be overwhelmed by pushy people, and a few pushy vendors.
Since we were in the VA/DC area, my mom and I also headed over to PaperSource in Georgetown. Georgetown is such an awesome shopping area with tons of stores i like to browse in, although the highlight is always stopping in Papersource. Its a two floor store with stationary, albums, gift wrap, books, and tons of other fun things. I picked up three of these super cute little suitcases ideal for sending my work to stores.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Black and White Ring
Its been one busy, stressful, tiring week for me. Although I have to work today, and my weekend is cut short I was able to clean my apartment last night, (clean enough for me anyway...) and work in the studio this morning. I was feeling much better after a few hours of studio work, and was happy to complete this ring...
It is now available on my etsy store.
Im off to my real job for the evening, then a late dinner with one of my very talented best friends, Eliza. Check out her new blog right here!
Im off to my real job for the evening, then a late dinner with one of my very talented best friends, Eliza. Check out her new blog right here!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Looking for a job?
I got an email last week, and thought it may be helpful to fellow metalsmiths out there...
The Society of American Silversmiths is launching a website to help connect employers in the metalsmithing field to qualified candidates, and vice versa. The website will actually have content starting Sept. 1, but it looks, and sounds like it has potential to be very helpful!
Looks like there may be a registration fee attached, but it may be worth it to find a job...
Here is the link!
The Society of American Silversmiths is launching a website to help connect employers in the metalsmithing field to qualified candidates, and vice versa. The website will actually have content starting Sept. 1, but it looks, and sounds like it has potential to be very helpful!
Looks like there may be a registration fee attached, but it may be worth it to find a job...
Here is the link!
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
For Your Viewing Pleasure
Just finished these tonight! And I just got 30 more settings back in the mail yesterday!! Good things to come!
Good Day!
I've been a little MIA lately, but there is nothing like the two flattering shout-out's I've gotten today to get me back into the swing of things.
Then...I got a comment from another friend of mine, Juliette from The Broken Plate, who just discovered my blog and etsy site! She made the nicest post about my sites, and I couldn't be happier! We graduated together almost two years ago, and she has really got her stuff together. She is a major role model of mine!
First, I discovered that Annie from Imogene tagged me as a fellow "Rockin Girl Blogger". Yay! Such a nice compliment. Little does she know I check her blog religiously, and think she rocks way more than me! Now, its my turn to tag 5 more girl bloggers who I think rock. I need some time, but hopefully I wont disappoint!
Then...I got a comment from another friend of mine, Juliette from The Broken Plate, who just discovered my blog and etsy site! She made the nicest post about my sites, and I couldn't be happier! We graduated together almost two years ago, and she has really got her stuff together. She is a major role model of mine!Thank you guys so much!
Vacation was good, but I'm trying to get back in the groove. Ive been doing some commissions and finally had time to work on my stuff again. Here is the latest:
These will be available shortly in a variety of patterns and colors. As always, sorry for the poor photography!
And from the above earrings, I got this design. And from my excitement over these earrings, I've already lost one when I was out the other night! Of course! I am sooo mad and have looked everywhere. I can see lots of other variations coming from these. That's the best feeling for a designer!
Monday, July 30, 2007
could be trouble...
I just discovered that the Sienna Gallery has an online bookstore. OH NO! Online ordering is so fun!! You can view all the books published by Sienna gallery right here. Although a little pricey, you can never have too many books. I'm dying to see the book on Jamie Bennett's enamel brooches.
A few websites
So far the vacation has been wonderful! We are at Cape Hatteras where the water is surprisingly clear and warm. Im not usually the kind of person who swims in the ocean, but I spent the good part of yesterday riding waves and playing in the surf with my best friends. I have gotten a little sunburned, but its a small price to pay for so much fun.
I am so glad I brought my computer, I have had tons of time to play online!! I have been researching holiday shows on the east coast with deadlines i haven't missed. Id like to do two or three this year, and see how things go. I have also been looking at websites trying to figure out how i would like mine to be re-built. Suggestions??
DesignSpong is a blog i check daily (along with every other blogger in the world), and through this blog i found the website for Prisera Design. Laura Su is the designer/owner, and she has got one great eye for design and one lovely website. Its amazing what a difference putting the jewelry on models makes! It looks so professional. Her Flora and Folium collection is by far my favorite collection. So simple! One of those collections that makes me say "why didn't i think of that". This collection uses a combination of stainless steel and sterling silver.
Another website I have been pouring over is Sarah Hood's. Sarah is not at all new to the art jewelry industry, but for some reason, I had never been to her website. Much of her work is recognizable from being in jewelry design books and magazines over the years. My absolute favorite piece of her work is this ring she made using a Japanese lantern skeleton. The natrually complex structure is so delicate with a beautiful pattern that really appeals to me. I probably saw this image years ago, but got to see it in person recently at gallery M.I.M. as part of their Material Alchemy exhibition. They were displayed in perfect wooden shadow box's and ready to be hung on a wall, or set on a shelf. You can also find Sarah's work on etsy.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Vacations
I'm leaving bright and early tomorrow morning for the Outter Banks with two of my best friends. I am so excited, and have been looking forward to this trip for such a long time! We don't get spend much time together anymore, so Im ready for a little girl bonding sea-side. I have the Sex and the City dvd's packed (btw, how excited are you that they are FINALLY making the movie), lots of nail polish, cute summer dresses, and lots of suntan lotion, because I am sure to burn. And i just found out the house has wire-less internet..fabulous!
Speaking of great girl bonding, last night I had dinner with Annie from Imogene. Annie and I graduated from Towson together about 2 years ago (yikes!), and we have continued to keep in touch. I can't tell you what a great time I had with her. Reminiscing, talking business, catching up, laughing. I really don't get to see her enough. I left dinner truly inspired, and ready to give my business the attention it deserves! What a great role model!
She also just happened to be wearing her new squirrel necklace, which is totally adorable. The photo doesn't do this piece justice, its the perfect piece for summer!
Speaking of great girl bonding, last night I had dinner with Annie from Imogene. Annie and I graduated from Towson together about 2 years ago (yikes!), and we have continued to keep in touch. I can't tell you what a great time I had with her. Reminiscing, talking business, catching up, laughing. I really don't get to see her enough. I left dinner truly inspired, and ready to give my business the attention it deserves! What a great role model!
She also just happened to be wearing her new squirrel necklace, which is totally adorable. The photo doesn't do this piece justice, its the perfect piece for summer!
Sunday, July 22, 2007
CW Roelle
phewwwww..artscape is over!! The Metals Guild had a really good show, but i am glad its over! Now i will have time to relax and work on my own stuff again.
While i spent much of the weekend working, i did get to walk around a little see some of the work that was being sold at Artscape.
Although, i only bought one photograph, i did find two artists who's work i feel in love with...
C.W. Roelle makes artwork using metal wire. They are AMAZING! I was immediately drawn to them because of the line quality, but the more i looked at them, the more intersting they became. He does images of people, boats, landscapes, and my favorite; birdcages. I LOVE LOVE LOVE them, and hopefully one day soon, this piece will be hanging on my wall. Def check out his work here!
And.. the company Had Matter. They make little box/wall hangings and key holders to hang on your wall. She did a nice job pairing found objects with images. And for a very nice price. Here is one of my favorites.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
New Stuff
After a day of setting up for artscape, i was finally able to sit down at my bench for a few hours tonight. It felt sooo good!
Here is what i came up with... both for sale on my etsy page!
I went home last night and had dinner with my parents (mmmm, what a treat!), and this is what my mom whipped out! AWESOME! This bracelet has 14 images of queens. On the opposite side of the queens, there are images of crowns, letters etc. Its great, and looks even better in person! Hmm...a little competition...
Ok, im off to hunt down some diet coke. Im going through withdraw, and yes, it is totally worth leaving the house for at 9 pm!Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Insanity
Artscape is fast approaching, and this year i am in charge of organizing and running the booth for the Metals Guild of Maryland. I am happy to do it, but it is soooo much work. I will be going non-stop until Sunday, and I'm already dragging. I can't complain too much though, this is what happens when you procrastinate. And anyone who knows me knows, i am the worlds biggest procrastinator. Id like to think of it as grace under pressure! When will i learn?!? Stop by our booth (#80) this weekend and see what you think. Also see work from yours truly, as well as many other talented Baltimore artists; including Megan Auman, Beth Pohlman and more.
With all my stress-induced grumpiness, I was very cheered up to find this delivery waiting or me when i got home from work today! There is nothing like an entire sheet of smooth, un-dented metal to cheer a girl up. Call me crazy, but any metal smith would agree! And the very best part is...i got it for FREE! I sent Hoover and Strong all my old bench scraps to be refined, and had a $250 credit applied to my account. What an awesome deal!
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
latest
Here is what i was working on tonight. I plan on attaching more interesting treasures in the future, but for tonight, its just beads!
Again, photography is not a skill of mine, so please forgive the reflection! They are currently available at my etsy shop!
More to come later!
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
It's a family thing!
Check out these cool "fragments" my mom has been making. She found such a great way to merge what she does (needlework designer) with the growing art of collage art. I will be getting mine on Thursday and I cant wait! Although I think most people wear them as necklaces, I am going to hang mine in my studio. Hang them anywhere, and get them while they are hot!
Hello Martha...
I have been busy running around getting things together for packaging, photographing and other things dealing with my jewelry. One of the stops I've made quite a few times actually is Michaels craft store. Michaels is usually a pretty fun store to shop in, but since they recently added Martha Stewarts line of craft supplies, I have cant seem to run in and run out of the store like i used too. I have always been a fan of Martha Stewart, religiously purchasing her magazines (both living and wedding), and cookbooks. Although I find some of her suggestions and ideas can be labor intensive, they are still creative and original. But i must say...I am in LOVE with everything in the Martha Stewart craft line. The paper, tags, kits, boxes, punches, glitter, ribbon....EVERYTHING is perfect!! Everything is designed to coordinate, so you can't go wrong, and it couldn't be easier. I can't wait to go back and look some more! You can rest assured that you will be seeing some of her products being used with Liz Mathews Jewelry Design!
Here are a few of my favorite products from the line. Garden labels (actually make me wish i had a garden), decorative boxes, and aqua glitter.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Real Simple
I was happily surprised to receive my new Real Simple in the mail yesterday. I feel like I just got last months issue, and have yet to read it. Where does the time go...
But i did have time to flip through the new issues, and found a few pictures i wanted to share. I love the objects they used, and wished i had the same set up somewhere in my house!
Bell jars are now topping the list of things i want to find next for the apartment! And i cant tell you how much i love the small letters they incorporated!
Obviously, i have not mastered the art of taking pictures without the flash getting in the way. This was the best of the dozen i tried to take. Sorry!
For those of you who don't know, my mom is a needlework designer. She owns and operates Carriage House Samplings from our home in PA. She is truly amazing at what she does, and has become one of the best and most prolific designers in her industry. This week she was featured by the leading international needlework distributor in their "Friday Feature" sections, so im passing along the link. GO KBD!
Saturday, July 7, 2007
New Directions
Ok...i think im really onto something here. I am totally loving all the new work i've been doing, and here are a few pics of my new direction. I have millions of ideas for this new work, so plan on seeing a lot of it in my future.
I'm not ready to give my secret material away yet, but it will be revealed in due time... The only thing i will say, is that each image piece is hand drawn, and colored, so each will be a little different.
Let me know what you think...
I'm not ready to give my secret material away yet, but it will be revealed in due time... The only thing i will say, is that each image piece is hand drawn, and colored, so each will be a little different.
Let me know what you think...
This is the start of a long necklace. Please know that the chain is in NO WAY complete. I just wanted to get an idea of what it will look like. The current plan is to make this a really long necklace that will wrap around the neck twice, with about 5 of the images connected randomly throughout.
And these earrings actually are complete. I made these start to finish in 3 hours. I was shocked! They are light and really easy to wear!
I'll post more as i get them done..im off to the studio!
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