A Metalsmith's Journey

Why yes, I do!

noreply@blogger.com (Janice) — Tue, 21 May 2013 19:27:00 +0000

There was a conversation on a facebook group recently about people getting asked:

"So, do you still make jewelry?"

and how offputting it is to so many people.

I get asked that as well but it doesn't bother me. (most of the time). For starters, I can go a month without making anything due to this crazy busy lovely life I lead so I suppose its a valid question.

And also, it's a perfect opportunity to say:

"Why YES, I do! Let me show you some recent pieces I've made.."

See what I did there! LOL

I think we always have a choice in how we accept the words of others. I'm not suggesting it's always easy to swallow, and the Lord knows I am not perfect at it, but I am getting better. If we practice not assigning ill intent, if we cultivate that thoughtfulness, we nurture it into a habit. And how much more beautiful is life when we can go about it with positivity rather than negativity. Negativity is SO draining and probably pretty toxic to our bodies.

I am preparing for an upcoming show and have a few new pieces that I hope to develop into a line with different variations. These will be a more casual and 'easy to wear' line than some of my work has been thus far. Here are a few starter pieces:

Sterling silver and carnelian by DoxalloStudio


Sterling silver and turquoise by Doxallo Studio

Anyone else gearing up for a summer show? If so, are you enjoying the process or stressing over how much you have to do yet?

May Synchroblog - Words

noreply@blogger.com (Janice) — Wed, 15 May 2013 12:30:00 +0000

It's time for the first Artists Synchroblog post!

The Artists Synchroblog is a group of bloggers who post every other month on the same topic, sharing our experience or perspective. (On alternate months we undertake a Pinterest Project where we each take inspiration from a pinterest picture, create something (art, a meal, a DIY project, etc) and then post about it.)

This month's topic is:

WORDS HAVE MEANING “A quote to live by/favorite saying”

I have to admit, I struggled with this.

YES, words have meaning. But is there a quote that I LIVE by? I'm not sure there is. I don't have one of those: "My momma used to say...." quotes.

I do have a few favorite verses of scripture that I return to. That speak volumes to me. And there are some song lyrics that I love. And various sayings here and there from books and famous folks, and some from some not-so-famous folks.

And I have been pondering what might be special enough for this Synchroblog post and just wasn't set on anything - and then, just earlier today I ran across something that jumped out at me and has stuck with me.

It comes from a thesis written by Rachel Timmins - her Masters thesis deals with concepts of home, comfort, belonging, and maybe more central, NOT belonging. She explores the topic in a honest, informative, and creative way (and she created a lot of AMAZING jewelry in the process). In her thesis she writes:

"I was here. Remember me"

This stopped me in my reading. It just spoke to me.

It's so simple and yet also rather profound because it's so central to all of humanity.

I was here.

We all want to leave a mark.

Remember me.

We don't want to be forgotten. We want our life to matter. And so in a way speaks to 'meaning'. We want our life to have meaning.

It's personal - inward focused. Don't waste time. LIVE so there is evidence we were here. "tag" the world.

But. It also spoke to me with an outward focused. Open my eyes and SEE people --- acknowledge that they are HERE. That they matter - no one is insignificant.

And to especially see the 'other'. Those who stand outside the gates of our culture, at the edges of our community. Those who don't conform, who are 'different' - those who are perhaps easy to dismiss and maybe therefore forget.

No one should be forgotten.

Over the next few weeks I'll share some of the other quotes, sayings, etc that have been hanging out in my head for a while. :)

What are some quotes or sayings that stick with you? Share with us in the comments below!

and don't forget to visit the other Artists Synchrobloggers this month:
http://amyestellemetalworks.blogspot.com
http://www.islandgirlsinsights.blogspot.ca/
http://www.wrapturewirejewellery.on.ca/blog
www.elenorbuffington.blogspot.com
http://doxallodesigns.blogspot.com
http://lesliervillarreal.blogspot.com
http://www.journeyinjewelry.com/blog/My-Journey-in-Jewelry
http://simpledesignjewelry.blogspot.com
http://designsbylynnea.blogspot.com/
http://marikach.blogspot.com/
www.createrecklessly.com
http://design.kcjewelbox.com
www.allwiredupjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com
http://shaktipajdesigns.com/blog/
http://silversmithblog.com/
http://stonezjewelry.com/blog/
www.beadsbythebay.blogspot.com

An evening of errors

noreply@blogger.com (Janice) — Tue, 07 May 2013 14:43:00 +0000

Last night I went to the store.

then I went again.

And then, believe it or not. I went yet again.

Three trips in one night.

Can we say cuhhhh-raaaazy?

I stopped on my way home to pick up some items to send to school with my son for a teacher appreciation luncheon. It's a taco themed lunch. YUM!

While there I grabbed a few things I needed for our pantry and dinner.

Home I went, made dinner, ate, and then settled in to help son with Science project.

Epic fail.

Trip #2 to the store.

Back home, work on project, homework, etc. Make dessert for the luncheon. And at almost 10 pm it hits me - I forgot the taco shells.

BLEEP!

So after finishing the dessert and watching Bates Motel, I go BACK to the store!

WOW.

So why all of the back and forth? It's not a simple case of poor planning - I had a list for the first grocery stop, I just didn't slow down or pay attention - or something!

The second trip to the store was due to a project fail which was really based on lack of research or planning.

So the morale of the story for me is - SLOW DOWN, PLAN AHEAD, and PAY ATTENTION.

These are great points to remember for metalsmithing too.

1. SLOW DOWN
Take time to complete each step properly before moving forward. It's difficult (and sometimes impossible) to go back and fix.

2. PLAN AHEAD
Know what you need, have it all on hand, think through the order of steps. Layout, measure, and proceed.

3. PAY ATTENTION
Really pay attention to each step. Inspect your marks, attachments, layout etc from various angles so that you know if something is 'off'. See how one operation affects another and take notes. Pay attention to where your flame is pointed so you don't burn through a hose (i've seen that happen), or where the whole length of your sawblade is moving so you don't cut through an opposite part of your work....

If I had done #1 above, I wouldn't have been running out to the store at 11pm. If my son and I had done step #2 we would have been better equipped for a successful project the first time around. And step #3 - well, I would have had the taco shells the first trip if I was really paying attention - and yea, I may not have mentioned the glue on the table and floor leftover from the science project but that probably wouldn't have been an issue either. . . . . . .

An evening of errors was first posted by Janice Fowler on A Metalsmith's Journey

Getting tweaked

noreply@blogger.com (Janice) — Wed, 01 May 2013 01:49:00 +0000

I'm not sure if I mentioned here before, but I've been struggling with things.

What things? my my....EVERYthing things.

Just feeling stretched, stressed, and trying to figure it all out. Is it me? or is it my schedule/life?

Basically, is it internal or external. Can I 'fix it' or do I just have to ride it out?

Well, while I feel like I have loads of experience 'riding out' life, I also feel like I don't want to be 'at the mercy' of circumstances. I feel like I'm a pretty strong person and haven't gotten this far letting life just happen around me while I'm buffeted about. Soooooooooo, with all of that in mind, accepting things that I can not change, I am examining the things that I CAN change and doing a little tweaking.

One thing I'm doing is refocusing on the Jewelry Artists Network in a way that aligns with things which I'm already doing while cutting out some other things that don't easily align with other things. This way I'm 'working' smarter, not harder.

In addition to the Synchroblog (I already blog so this aligns with something I'm already doing and hopefully will appeal to, and be helpful to, other artists) we are launching DESIGN Challenges on the Network. (this is an obvious 'align' as I am creating - hopefully - all the time).

I have let go all but one show for this year (ok, and one small one I picked up). (but that's IT)

Finally, one of my most difficult tweaks - I am, once and for all, choosing to take a break from exploring new techniques. For the next year I am determined to focus my creative energies on what I already know, to explore my past body of work for inspiration, and to use that to develop a line that can truly be called a 'line'.

with the exception of this quick little detour. ;-)

Steel & Gold, April 2013

I don't know if I can count working with steel in my present repertoire and continue it or if I have to put it to bed. We shall see. . . . . .

New opportunity to increase blog or site traffic

noreply@blogger.com (Janice) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:20:00 +0000

Some of you may have blogs that are banging (and I do mean that in the most innocuous way), some of you may feel like you are blogging to crickets.

But in either case, who doesn't want more readers? More traffic? Potentially more friends? and insight and inspiration, and, well, a whole bunch of other stuff !

I know I do!

Some years ago, I had the great opportunity to participate in a Synchroblog. A group of bloggers who posted on a topic each month and then linked up to each other in a link party. The focus then was on sharing information, views, opinions, etc (it was a faith based synchroblog). Now Synchroblogs and Blog Parties/Blog Carnivals are used for fun, to inspire, to share, educate, ANNNNNNNND - to drive traffic. And why not? You're blogging anyway, right ? (well, many of you are and if you're not - YOU CAN START! or read along)

So why not join together and share with one another and also help one another?

To that end, we're reviving the Synchroblog!

This is open to jewelry artists, other artists, and non-artists alike!

Head over to the Jewelry Artists Network to learn more! (click graphic below)

oh. and recently, I made this (sorry for the poor phone photo). This is a pendant handcrafted from sterling silver wire and sheet with a faceted iolite.

Just trying to keep the METALSMITHING in the journey! :)

Important News!

noreply@blogger.com (Janice) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 20:05:00 +0000

Despite the fact that I am going to be doing a few quick posts about Feedly, I am also going to be posting about.....

are you ready?

Wait for it.................

wait for iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit.

Metalsmithing.

Shocker, I know.

Although I love that I can share home and family and all sorts of anythings or nothings, I DO want to get back to posting about metalsmithing more. :)

To start off, many of you know that I got a scope recently. WHOOT! WHOOT! Lucky me!

So I took some photos for a few friends. I thought I'd share them with you.

First, to orient ourselves, this is a tiny stacking ring with a very small ball on it.

And that crazy craggy thing to the left is my fingernail.

EEWWWWWWWWWW, gross, right?

But seriously, don't look at my fingernail......well, no - actually DO look at it.

I mean just LOOK at it!!!!!!!!!!

That's my fingernail!

(It's so amazing in its ickyness! ) The detail is awesomesauce.

when I first put the ring under the scope I noticed there was some dirt in the divot. So I pulled out a little wooden toothpick to try to rub it out.... and then I got T-totally distracted.

Gone is the ring and in is the toothpick and then anything else I could get my hands on. I had completely forgotten how much fun it is to play under a microscope!

But seriously now, back to the ring. (and actually, I WAS being serious before. I could sit at that darn thing all day and just look at stuff under it. Way cool)

OK back to the ring. Ahem. Ring, ball, divot. We got that far.

So look at the divot - this is with maybe a 1mm ball bur, maybe a .5mm. But look at that HUGE bur or lip around it. Especially the bottom edge. The left edge is sort of 'blown out'. THIS is what we miss when we are cutting seats and setting stones. tiny stuff.

and no, I am NOT suggesting that we must all have scopes. They are a luxury. But then again, so is 20/20 vision, or 20/15 which is what mine USED to be. (please, if you have good vision - be THANKFUL and take care of it!)

A scope is so much more convenient than trying to hold a loupe up as it frees up both hands. And my optivisor just wasn't cutting it. So, here I am. With this amazing piece of equipment.

Here is that bottom edge up REAL close. That lip looks like a mountain! But you'd never really know it was there without some high power magnification. Strike that.

Now you actually DO know what may be there. Because I just showed you.

Right?

So this is why it's a good idea to run a very fine file around the edge of a freshly cut seat, hole, divot....and then use sandpaper.

You may be thinking 'why bother? you said you can't see it!'

While this is true - there are some things to consider.

#1. although the actual lip itself may not be visible, it WILL affect the final look of your piece. Not only will your eye detect 'something' but every little tiny bump and divot will change how light plays off the surface of the piece. There may be bright 'hot spots' or areas of shadow. The eye will pick up on this and in the end the piece just won't be as 'polished' looking as it could be.

#2. For stone setting, the tiniest burs can really create havoc when you are trying to level your stone or have a nice even edge around the final setting. I had discovered when I began louping everything that it is the tiniest of adjustments that can 'fix' a seat. Prior to using the loupe I think I was OVER correcting everything and then trying to correct THAT and it was a vicious cycle which sometimes resulted in loss of a whole setting. And THAT's no fun!

I also took a short video under the scope at the prompting of a friend, for a small group of smiths I correspond with. . . but I'm not sure it's suitable for public viewing.......lol. I was just shooting off the cuff and rambling. . . . this was weeks ago and I can't recall exactly what the video entailed -- so let me watch it and then I'll either link to it or shoot a new one. (you can try emailing me for the link now, I'm just not sure I want to put it out there for the entire world!)

Later friends!

Blog Feed/Reader/RSS update

noreply@blogger.com (Janice) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 19:05:00 +0000

After my total disappointment over the impending loss of Google Reader I began using NetVibes and Feedly.

First NetVibes and then Feedly as it was recommended. I actually pretty much discontinued NetVibes and went to Feedly because I couldn't (still can't) figure out how to tag posts in NetVibes. So I have been motoring along quite nicely in Feedly, finally customizing the layout and reorganizing blogs into categories etc and I think I can safely say - this is my new reader home.

:)

I am sure there are options I am not yet using but I continue to explore. I will be back soon with some screen shots and reasons WHY I like Feedly. :)

Stay tuned!

Utter disappointment - advice needed

noreply@blogger.com (Janice) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 13:43:00 +0000

I think this is probably the first time in my life that I've felt this particular kind of let down.

It's not an 'end of the world' kind of thing, but it has definitely thrown me for a loop and left me wondering what to do next, how to proceed, how will life as I know it go on????

OK, maybe it's not that drastic. But seriously, I'm in a quandry.

And I need help, advice, direction.

The issue?

Google.

By now I am sure everyone has heard that Google is shutting down Google Reader come July. Doing away with it - poof - gone.

I read that last night and panic set it.

Reader - gone? say whaaaaaaaaat?

I have like 200 sites in my Google Reader! They are my friends, my inspiration, my daily dose of 'xyz'.

What's a girl to do?

I'm scrambling to find a suitable (read that SUITABLE) replacement. ~~Right now I've got FeedDemon on the radar.~~ But it's not sleek and smooth like Google Reader - it's also not web based. And I have to manually input all of my feeds.

I am hoping that someone steps up with a new reader that is a comparable replacement.

AND, on the flip side of this - a little over 500 of my readers presently use Google Reader for my feed. I don't want to lose any of you ! So as I explore alternatives I will share here.

You may want to subscribe by email prior to July so that you still 'get me' when I post until you have a new reader to use.

Anyone out there use a reader that they just love?

UPDATE: I had only scratched the surface last night in looking at some of the recommendations. Did a little more research early this morning. At the top of the pack is feedly and also theoldreader. Those are both web based which means the feed can be read on any computer which is essential to me! There was another I was looking at but I can't recall the name, want to say something pulse or pulse something.

Identity Crisis

noreply@blogger.com (Janice) — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 17:55:00 +0000

It's rather fitting that this post goes live on International Womans Day - It's been far too long since I've posted on a regular basis.

My broken record sounds like : "There's been a lot going on" and "I'm so busy" etc. And it's the truth, but I'm also going to share something I think a lot of women go through.

Identity Crisis.

And I don't mean that in what I think may be the traditional sense of the phrase. Or maybe it is, I don't know. What I do know is that many women spend most of their lives being someone else.

Ok, maybe not someone else and maybe it's not an identity crisis, maybe its more like Split Personality and all the Cybil's take over the original inner Cybil.

hmmmm, I don't know. Maybe it's just semantics.

Here's the thing though. I think many women wear so many 'hats' and take on so many 'roles' that they lose themselves in the process. I suppose it is seen often most easily recognized as 'empty nest syndrome' when the children go off to begin their adult lives and Mom is no longer "mom" (although of course she IS and always will be, right Moms?)

For me, the roles began young. I had my first child at 21. And I did it on my own. I was a single mom (and have continued to be). At that time I was also an employee and a student. At present I'm a single Mom, a Grandmom, a daughter, n employee, a website host, a blogger, a part time metalsmith, and all the other "roles" that go along with being a Mom. I'm also "head of household" and a home owner - those two things alone are BIG jobs!

Source

So I guess it's no surprise that sometimes I lose myself. Like I'm a PERSON. I sometimes like to say "I'm just a girl". Despite all those other things that I "am" -- I'm just a girl. And sometimes this girl gets freakin' tired.

And fails to blog. or call her friends, or answer emails or pay the bills (true story), or do a whole host of other things that she 'should'.

And then -- the guilt sets in. And that makes the fatigue worse.

And then, for a period of time, it's just one big huge nasty cycle that feeds off itself like a dog eating its own vomit.

ewww, ok, that was gross.

In any event - I KNOW there are others out there who experience this too. And I want you, whomever you are, to know that I'm not some super crazy awesome over achieving can do it all woman. I'm not. (ok, I may be super crazy and woman, but skip all that stuff in between)

I fail ALL the time. I fail to follow through, I fail to do simple life stuff, I fail to do the good I ought to do.

And I'm not exactly beating myself up over it. I'm stating fact. For me, it helps to state it. I don't normally put my 'issues' out on the blog, I tend towards privacy and keep my mess for my lovely friends (thanks girls), but today one of me apparently felt the need to unburden.

So, I've been getting in bed a little earlier this week, 11 at the latest, and last night I took some time to make an army of 'to do' lists, and today I'm sharing with you all (not because I know misery loves company, but because as women, we need to support one another!)

And I know through all of that, tomorrow will be better.

Regarding International Womens Day - for those in the US, we need to acknowledge that women in America have it good. Sometimes so much 'good' that we end up with Identity Crisis or split personality. Yet we don't celebrate this day. I wonder why not? According to the International Women's Day website:

"IWD is now an official holiday in Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, China (for women only), Cuba, Georgia, Guinea-Bissau, Eritrea, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Madagascar (for women only), Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Nepal (for women only), Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Zambia. The tradition sees men honouring their mothers, wives, girlfriends, colleagues, etc with flowers and small gifts. In some countries IWD has the equivalent status of Mother's Day where children give small presents to their mothers and grandmothers."

source:http://www.internationalwomensday.com/about.asp#.UTohCjf4J8E

And yes, we have Mother's Day and Grandparent's Day when women can be honored. But not all women are mothers or grandmothers. And those days again emphasize a ROLE. Why not just honor women for being women?

Or is that like giving every kid a ribbon just because they competed? (and is there anything wrong with that?)

What do you think?

DIYing St. Patty's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Janice) — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 17:20:00 +0000

Although we don't really celebrate St Patty's Day in our home, I do enjoy a good DIY project and will probably make one of these (or more) (or all - yes, I'm a sucker for handmade!)

I thought this banner was very sweet and I can see the idea being used for various holidays or observances or celebrations. :)

from Simple as that, the blog

And what about these 'hurricanes' ? Who doesn't like a 10 second project??


From Apartment Therapy

And we can't forget the children in our lives! I stumbled upon this scarf project that is ADORABLE and seems easy enough that I could probably do it! (gotta love that!)

From Childmade

HAPPY CREATING!

WHOA is me....

noreply@blogger.com (Janice) — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 02:11:00 +0000

Seriously.

*sigh*

So the water heater was replaced today. In case you didn't know, it began leaking this weekend. That went relatively well. They were in and out. One interesting note is that they emptied the tank via my sump pump. Which is fine. Except my sump empties via a homemade, thrown together, pipe system due to the small 'house' fire we had last spring (or summer, or something). Well, there must have been some ice in the outside pipes and the water got a little backed up causing some pressure and that hot water needed somewhere to go.....so it first started spraying out in tiny eruptions, but then the ice must have let loose because water came shooting out the end (which is what it is supposed to do) but then it blew the last section of pipe off, then another section was blown off.....until there was just a short section and an elbow and another tiny section.....which was sort of aimed up. So now it was a real geyser. fun, fun, fun. So that system isn't exactly in the best shape right now. BUT, I have a new water heater!

So off to work I go. When about halfway there I notice there's a red icon lit up on my dash. It takes me a while but I finally figure out its the temp gauge. And boy, is my engine hot. I make it to work, but as I pull in the lot there are some horrid sounds coming from my car. :( I went on in to work and when the day was done I carried water out to my car, put some in, and drove straight to a nearby service center. It was there that I met Jamal. He fixed me up with some antifreeze and an appointment tomorrow morning to see if we can determine the problem. We both hoped I would make it home. It's a 40 minute drive. I did. And the car is still running cool, so hopefully I can make it all the way back there tomorrow morning.

Did I mention that I got a tiny chip in my windshield over the Christmas holiday? It was a tiny thing. I said WAS. And I said TINY. Barely noticeable to the naked eye. It's not so tiny anymore. It began growing a week or two ago. And growing. And growing.

*sigh*

BUT, I'm home, so time to make dinner. Get food out, pots and pans, turn on hot water. . . . I mean, REALLY turn ON hot water!

Please?

All I could get was a trickle.

hmmmmmmmmmm.

Test all the other water outlets - running fine. Its. just. that. one.

Odd.

Such is my life.

and you?

BUT WAIT! It's not all doom and gloom. I made this reversible pendant last night....

Side #1

Side #2

Or vise versa. I'm not sure it really matters.

Sterling silver with citrine on one side and topaz on the other.

It makes me smile. :)

I can't wait to make another.

and another.

they will be in the Etsy shop soon. :)

Is it still cool

noreply@blogger.com (Janice) — Sun, 27 Jan 2013 18:39:00 +0000

if it's on Sunday instead of on Friday?

As usual, a little behind, but I hope you'll indulge and forgive me and enjoy the Friday Cools even if it's Sunday. :)

I ran across Heiki Weber's installations and was mezmerized. They are the epitome of 'cool'.

They remind me a bit of the zentaglish doodles I was doing a while back and also of this hand drawing. It's all about repetition.

I'm not sure if I could have a floor like that in my house because it may keep me awake nights. But if I did manage to sleep, and if I had trouble waking up.....the next cool just might help. Not only is this WAY cool of an idea, but the design is cool, AND the creator is 19 years old. How cool is THAT? It's the Singshock by Sankalp Singha.

And

And that isn't his only design -

He also wondered if the basic stool could become more useful.

How about one that transforms into a chair, then into a chair with a sidetable, or into a multi level table.....Please, check it out, scroll down to see all the variations. :)

He's one cool kid.

While we're on the topic of furniture that's art - or art that's furniture...how about this cool table?

I want one. By McNabb & Co.

Browse around - very cool work.

HAPPY SUNDAY!

It's always something, right? (HUGE LONG POST)

noreply@blogger.com (Janice) — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 22:22:00 +0000

I have been bad about blogging lately. So busy and just feeling tired by the time I get to sit down at night with the computer. *sigh*

I don't think I blogged Christmas or New Years photos......I didn't blog my son's surgery....I've just been occupied. With work, life, babies........stuff. Ya know? It has felt more and more like my life is spinning out of my control. And that happens sometimes, it's ok. It's perception, not reality. Sometimes things just get busy and overwhelming. And all sorts of factors come together at once and arrrrhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhgh!. LOL

I wrote a note to a friend on facebook this morning and when I gave the run down on what I've been up to (or have had happening) in the past 12 months it really sunk in just HOW much has been going on. And I didn't even really account for everything. It's just a bit nutty to think about.

Finally, maybe because of everything going on, I dug in my heels and decided I need to take some time for myself at the bench at least once a week. So I am aiming for Thursday nights but often it's actually Sunday evening before I get to it. In an effort to help me MAKE myself make, I joined another 52week creating challenge. It's been such a great decision! I was really not going to join anything this year but I am so glad I decided to jump in at the last minute.

Here are a few of the things I've made since I decided to kick myself in the pants over New Years.

Many of those are a continuation or re-examination of some pieces I made a few years back. like this:

This:

and my favorite from way back when...... this:

I have always been a texture person and I'm trying to get back to that....really still trying to find my voice and also a line or platform that is authentic.

In addition to that I'm trying (STILL) to get my house 'unpacked' and in order and decided that I need to finish up my basement so I can do Third Thursdays. I made another attempt today to get in there and go through boxes -- wow, how overwhelming. Like seriously. I did set up 2 6t tables and moved a bunch of boxes from one side of the basement to the other. And I emptied a few boxes, earmarked a couple for thrift store donation, now have two new large bags for the dump......started several bins for 'like' items that I can then decide what to do with (like beach stuff, boy stuff, medical stuff, etc). As I was moving some boxes to the 'other side' which will now be storage (near the furnace, hot water heater, etc. ) I noticed some water on the floor. Thought it might be drainage from melting snow....no. It's the hot water heater. *hangs head in disgust and defeat*

Do you ever feel like that? Likes its ALWAYS something? I really don't have the money for this and am not sure how I will pay for it...but it has to be done. So Monday a new one is being installed. *les sigh* Until then I will be mopping up water.

I do have to say that part of my lack of photos and maybe blogging can be blamed on my new phone. I have my first Smartphone and have become addicted to Instagram. If you are on Instagram PLEASE find me. :) I think I'm under "Doxallo" there. I'm small potatoes, about 150 photos and a pitiful 15 followers. But I really love the quick 'snapshot' capability. And how its daily life....its just fun. :)

One last note: the Jewelry Artists Network forum was put on hiatus a few months back while the website was worked on and the new Jewelry Artists Network Facebook group was getting under way, but I've had so many inquiries about it re-opening the forum that I'm working to dust it off and get it back up and running. There will be some changes going forward - to make it more manageable and to give people more of a sense of 'buy-in' or ownership. More details coming next week :)

Third Thursdays - or how to get your studio clean

noreply@blogger.com (Janice) — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 19:05:00 +0000

I have been lonnnnnnnnnnnnng talking about having a regular 'open studio' time at my place where jewelers in the area can pop in (and out) and make things, learn stuff, talk techniques, tips, business, or just whatever anyone wants to do.

Thing is, I just keep talllllllllllllllking about it. talk talk talk talk talk. BAH!

Part of the problem is my basement is a Disaster. Yes, a Disaster with a capital 'D'!

But now its a reality - I'm putting it out there. Third Thursdays, starting in February. My place (get in touch for location address) from 6-10pm (ish).

So look out basement - you're in the cross hairs. I'm about to get all crazy busy up on your umm, butt, space, something.

The format will be loose. VERY loose. Arrival time is flexible, come when you can. Departure time is flexible as long as its by 10PM (and we'll see how that goes).

If you want to make stuff, bring some materials....and maybe some hand tools (pliers, whatever). Pretty much all of my studio equipment will be up for use. We'll have to figure out how to account for say gas and O2 at some point down the road. (I have some ideas). My books and any videos that I have can be pulled out for use and people can bring what they want to share.

We can have critiques and/or problem solving - bring pieces you want input on.

I will have a laptop available and some snacks and we'll go from there!

The goal is just to create an open sharing, inspiring, supportive environment. We may at some point have more formal sessions - a speaker or a topic - we'll just decide as we go how structured we want to be.

All skill levels are welcome.

So the first date is February 20th, 2013 6pm -10pm. My house in Ellicott City, MD 21042

And I guess you can imagine what I'll be doing between now and then........

This is pretty funny......

noreply@blogger.com (Janice) — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 16:36:00 +0000

So this magician and prankster came up with a stunt to have an 'invisible' or ghost driver order food at various fast food drive thru lanes. I keep wondering what I would have thought had someone pulled that on me during my VERY brief stint working at Wendy's 30 years ago. . . . he filmed it - take a look -

The reactions are great. :)

Pretty smart guy.

Wonder what he'll come up with next?

No resolutions - but

noreply@blogger.com (Janice) — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 14:00:00 +0000

There are a few things that I like to do at the beginning of the year. Not only does the start of the new year just psychologically seem like a good time, but for me, I have a few days in a row off. AND the past two years I've had the house to my self - T-totally! - for 3 or 4 days. Excuse me while I wipe away a tear or two.

so anyway, basically, what I'm saying is - I have TIME.

And so what I like to do at the beginning of the year is use that time to make my life easier. Better, more efficient.

I PURGE.

Not as in fingers-down-the-throat-cuz-i-ate-too-much-over-the-holidays kind of purge. That's just gross. And REALLY unhealthy, on SO many levels. If you purge like that. Stop. Talk to someone, get help. ((hugs))

No, what I like to purge is my house - my closet and drawers and desks and dressers.....

I like to purge my reader of blogs that have died off or ones that just aren't relevant to me anymore.

I purge the fridge, the car.....I weed through my holiday decorations as I pack them away.

Basically, I purge my life. In as many areas as I can with that window of time that I have.

I try to get rid of clutter. Baggage. Things that weigh me down.

Things that have negative consequences in my life. Not only do I have the time, but for me it helps the start of the new year really seem FRESH and NEW.

It's probably like "Spring Cleaning" for some people. (which I have been known to dive into as well - LOVE IT!)

early wire work earrings

Sometimes, when I am doing this, I discover really cool things - like the camera I mentioned here. And the two pieces of jewelry in that post were inspired by an old brooch I made long ago and had nearly forgotten about.

And then last night when I was doing some purging of old draft posts, I came across this post where I talk a little about my beginnings in jewelry. Check it out, and yes, you can laugh!

and actually, those earrings to the left are kinda cute. I just might make some more! Those were brass and have never been worn. Follow the link for some real stunners from my early days!

What about you - do you purge around the new year? Wait until Spring? Or do you hold on to all things...? Should we call Hoarders for you? ;-) Lemme know which way you lean.

Oh, and one more thing that January brings - registration for the JAN retreat! Don't know what that is? Well where HAVE you been? We're on our 8th year now - the retreat is a week long jewelry artists experience. We spend 7 days making from sun-up til sun-down - or beyond....people get up when they want, go to bed when they want - and spend a lot of time with tools in hand, making things, learning, laughing....relaxing.....with other like minded people. You can find out more by hopping over to the Jewelry Artists Network website. :)

Friday Cools

noreply@blogger.com (Janice) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 14:30:00 +0000

Here we are again - another Friday, time for my Friday Cools. Last time I shared an 'invisible' umbrella among other things (like the way cool 175 foot trampoline....). And I just realized that the last Friday Cools was over a month ago. I really am going to shoot for every Friday - I am blaming the holidays!

So as I was browsing the net recently I came across this really cool illusionary (no, that's not a word, but when we're being cool we can make up words, right?) so, this is an illusionary art project that looks like it could maybe be doable by any of us. (click the photo to go to the source)

This next one I didn't really understand when I first saw it, I just thought that it played the sounds back, maybe distorting them, but it doesn't. It does way more than that, it takes the sounds and uses some algorithm to create music. How cool would it be to turn your daily life into a soundtrack? One day you may be able to do just that with the Sound Bottle Mixer....

Re: Sound Bottle from Jun Fujiwara on Vimeo.

And finally, how about this colorful canopy for shade - made with the such a simple object. Effective and stunning..........

(Source and story)

I wonder if it would be even remotely simple or possible to create something like this at home over a deck or patio.

So what have you coolness have you encountered this week? (or ok, month.........?)

The psychology of it all....or claim the game

noreply@blogger.com (Janice) — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 19:00:00 +0000

Let's face it - we all play head games with ourselves.

I do it.

And you do it.

Oh yes you dooooooooo!

Seriously.

We find little ways to rationalize or explain or cope or believe or shed new light or inspire or . . . . . whatever-it-may-be.

And that's ok, it is.

Sometimes we need those little mindtricks to motivate or give us courage or just keep us moving forward.

But.

It's also ok, and sometimes even a little bit advantageous to recognize, identify, and claim those games.

See them for what they are, call them out - and own them. It's a little scary, but also freeing and even empowering.

Here's a 'for instance'.

Several years back I decided, much like many of you wise folks, that I wasn't going to set resolutions anymore. They get neglected, broken, and finally forgotten. The mock me with their challenge. Who needs 'em? (ok, some of you do....but keep with me here)

I decided, that instead of making resolutions at the beginning of the year, I was going to create 'goals'.

GOALS. They seem forward thinking to me while many resolutions seem backward thinking. (I don't KNOW WHY, this is my brain here, 'k?)

Anyway, they (goals) are attainable. Actionable. You can write steps, plan them out, change them along the way.

They are different than resolutions.

They ARE!

Right?

Maybe?

Kinda-sorta?

No?

No. Not in the end.

It was a bit of a head game.

A way for me to continue to attempt to make a fresh start at the beginning of the new year - I mean, that's what people do, right? Take stock, start the new year fresh? (and yes, I agree, it just seems like such a great time to do that)

So I looked at goals for a couple of years............. and now this year? Well. I'm ready to give up that particular game altogether.

Because the reality is that I'm just not a beginning of the year, resolution, goal setting kind of person. It doesn't mean that those things are bad or wrong or that there aren't things I need to improve, change, or do (because, whoa nelly, they are!) What it means for me is that I don't have to play the game with myself anymore. I don't have to join in and use the New Year as an artificial deadline or green light.

I'm free to be me and to change and plan in ways that make sense for me.

And when it makes sense for me. Which, to be honest, should be the moment I realize that something needs changing!

That might sound like a goal - "I will begin changing things right when I notice them!"

But it's not. It's something else.

It's not a resolution. Or a goal.

It's growth.

So I challenge you to consider the things you tell yourself. Challenge the voice in your head.

Are New Year's resolutions really right for you?
When, and how, do you go about setting goals?
Or are you already challenging those headgames?

Happy New Year. :)

Desperation and what it can lead to

noreply@blogger.com (Janice) — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Have you ever wandered the grocery store aisle that has miscellaneous household items - things like ohhhhhhhhhh, socks....?

And have you ever wondered - WHO buys socks at the grocery store?

I mean, really.

Surely there must be a million other places to buy socks.

Better socks. More affordable socks.

And yes, I agree.

But have you ever been THAT desperate for socks?

Well, let me tell you, I have.

And let me just say - warm feet are happy feet.

And so, ok - ummm, yea, that person is now me.

He's my

noreply@blogger.com (Janice) — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 21:00:00 +0000

bomb-diggity

what's yours?

2013 - thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (Janice) — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 04:12:00 +0000

Yes, you read that right - 2013, not 2012. I have no desire to rehash the past year. Too many websites etc have done the public looking back thing - best of this, worst of that...blah blah blah, so no way, no how do I need to toss my hat into that arena. And if you want to see MY 2012, just search the archives. :)

No, I'm looking forward -- thinking about today, this first day of the year. Which normally feels all sparkly new, but for some reason this year just feels, well, like any other day. Not too bright, not too dull.....just middle of the road. In other words - blah.

Sort of dull in a way. So I'm wondering - where's the sparkle? Where's the shine? If I was Rachel Timmins I'd have 300 bags of glitter. Alas, I'm not, and I don't. Not that I would have ANY idea what to do with 3 bags of glitter, let alone 300. Except then maybe I could say 'have a super sparkly day' and mean it. But anyway, no glitter, no glam, no sparkle, no shine.

I figured I would ring in the New Year much the same as I have the past couple - a quiet evening, home alone, contemplating 2012 and planning for 2013.

That only happened in part. Yes, I was here alone - gorgeous, quiet, alone-ness. *sigh*. However, there was no contemplating, no planning....no reading or journaling. Nope.

I had the house to myself for 3 days....THREE DAYS.
"la-laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa" Yes, there was much rejoicing. But still no sparkle or shine.

One might think that I'd have spent those three days leading up to New Years Eve at my bench. Or at least a large part of it at the bench. or at least some of it.......but no. I actually spent those 3 days cleaning, organizing, taking down (and packing up) Christmas decorations. I went through closets and desks, and shelves and bins and boxes. (oh my!)....I cleaned toilets at half past midnight.....I stayed up late and barely slept in. I got a lot accomplished except the one thing that typically defines my end of the year.

I didn't read, I didn't contemplate, I didn't (and haven't) planned or resolved or 'goaled' anything. OK, so there have been some thoughts on that rattling around in my brain these past few days. But nothing solid. Nothing firm. Definitely no commitments...

It's been about a year and a half since I bought this house, or, well, since we moved in to the house. And there have been more, and ARE more, people staying here than I ever could have imagined. 5 of us permanent and 2 that float in every now and again, and this in less than 1200 square feet. With little storage. And no garage. So anyway, as we live, I continue to see better ways to do, and keep, things. That is what those 3 gloriously alone days ended up being about. I would like to say that my bench was calling me but I couldn't answer because everything else was pressing in on me. . . . . but the truth is, everything else was pressing in on me and if my bench was calling, it was drowned out by everything else.

I set about those days, not hurried, but definitely purposed. In my seemingly non-sensical flight around my house I uncovered things like an old camera which I put batteries in and found the sweetest photos of my son from about 9 years ago. *melting heart here* And some jewelry I made some time ago that I havent seen in ages. happy happy, joy, joy. Oh and I threw away a boatload of umm, stuff. I am getting so very good at getting rid of things. :)

And then, on the eve of the New Year. I heard a whisper.....

And I answered.

And oh looky there, there is a tiny sparkle...

and some shine. . . . .

Now I just need to find the time to think.

To plan and dream about the year to come.

But for now it's off to bed. 6am will come pretty fast. I'm craving a cup of coffee right now.

But. I. must. go. to. bed

Night ya'll

Ever wanted to be on tv?

noreply@blogger.com (Janice) — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 16:18:00 +0000

This just might be your chance:

Casting Notice
Project Name:EXPERT EXTREME CRAFTER
Project Type:Television
Rate/Compensation:TBD

Message:

Expert Extreme Crafters, outside of LA preferred want to discover the 'Martha Stewart" of crafters with outrageous personalities!

Expert Extreme Crafter Lead Female / 25 to 50 / All Ethnicities

NOW CASTING EXPERT EXTREME CRAFTERS WITH BIG PERSONALITIES! Are you obsessed with crafting? Do you treat crafting like a sport? When it comes to skill, are you the Martha Stewart of your local town? Is crafting a huge part of your social life? Do you enter crafting contests and consider yourself the ringleader of crafting for your community, state or even the nation? If you visit the craft store and hobby shop more than you go to the grocery store and you are the "queen of crafting" with an outrageous personality that people would enjoy watching on TV like Paula Dean or Abbey Lee Miller-then we want to hear from you! Emmy award winning Production Company is on the hunt for THE most EXTREME CRAFTERS to star in a new show about YOU! If crafting is your life and you want to share your skills with the rest of the world, then email us now at extremecraftercasting@gmail.com.

Please include:
1. Name and phone number
2. City and State you live in
3. Links to Website, FB, etc
4. Recent pictures of you and some of your crafts
5. A short paragraph about you, your personality, your crafting and why you'd be great for the show! *** The ideal situation is for you to make me a short casting video: include a bio on you and crafting, show off your wacky or outrageous personality, why people would want to watch you on tv and maybe show some of your crafts. Be creative if you like!

Thanks!
Tami B
Casting Director
Extreme Crafter

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

GOOD LUCK!

and as always -

HAPPY CREATING! :)

Friday Finds

noreply@blogger.com (Janice) — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 18:04:00 +0000

I get a lot of information in my reader.

Some of it pretty crazy cool stuff.

And even if its not all crazy cool stuff wasn't cool enough, I end up daisy chaining my way around the net finding other way cool stuff.

So today it dawned on me that I should share this cool stuff with you cool people and thereby we all increase our collective

yea, I'm gonna say it . . .

cooooooooooooolness.

So here are a few 'finds' for today:

CLICK HERE FOR FULL POST >>>

Get ready, deals and freebies coming!

noreply@blogger.com (Janice) — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 13:57:00 +0000

I'm so excited!! It's that time of year, the energy is palpable......the holiday season is in full swing!

I wanted to do something special and when I saw an innovative Advent Calendar (for whiskey lovers of all things!) it sparked an idea and I got right to work.

The Jewelry Artists Network is having it's first annual virtual advent calendar - and it's just for jewelry artists!

The "calendar" will go live December 1st and each day, up until Christmas, will feature something special for jewelry artists. It will either be a free tutorial, a special discount to a vendor (tools and supplies), a giveaway to enter, or in a few cases something non-jewelry related just for fun and/or inspiration. :) But each day will only be live THAT day. So you only have 24 hours to GET the deal - some deals will be good for 24 hours and some a little longer, so be sure to read the particulars each day.

I hope you all will stop in each day to take advantage of the great offers and just have fun! :) And share with your friends - there is no limit on these - help be a part of spreading the fun this holiday season!

I had to push the B&B page project back for a bit while we worked on this calendar, but the B&B project will launch sometime in the next few weeks.:)

Yes, yes, yes

noreply@blogger.com (Janice) — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 22:50:00 +0000

Yes, yes, yes --

Yes, I am still here. :)

I have been concentrating on renovations to the Jewelry Artists Network Website and unfortunately that means that I've been neglectful of blogging. I am really excited about how the website is coming along though! A little background...the network webspace was purchased many years ago - nearly 7. WOW, time flies. The forum moved there about 4 years ago but the webspace wasn't developed until several years ago when a very basic framework was put into place.

Well, the time has come to try to push it forward. The idea isn't to compete with what is out there already, there are some really great places on the internet that are making great use of various forms of technology and social media that is available today. Our goal is to offer something a little different. We want to share a lot of information in a casual atmosphere and also open up some space for some novel projects. The first project opening soon is an idea that arose from the most recent JAN Retreat. The core retreat group frequently discusses the business end of what we do and one topic that frequently comes up (in many circles) is 'bread and butter' items as opposed to one of a kinds. While many of us want our B&B items to reflect our style or current line, we wondered what it would look like if all of us shared our best B&B items or came up with some to share. Not that everyone would copy the item exactly (though some may), but to share ideas that would help kick-start a creative process towards marketable, quick, low cost and time - B&B - items.

We've hashed out the details and the project will go live sometime this week. All jewelry artists are welcome to join in. However, the project space on the website will be password protected. In order to get in, you have to submit a project. Not a full tutorial mind you - just a project photo, materials list and a little commentary on how it's made (if applicable). So everyone involved will have shared something and everyone will get not just ONE thing, but loads of projects back! ALL of the project details will be up later this week. :) I'm really excited about it!

Personally, around here, things are just jumping. We're heading into the holidays and that just means busy. Busy at work, busy at home/family, son is busy at school - concerts and other events.

Yummy Pumpkin pies cooling

In fact, today I have baked three pies and a pan of brownies for his school. I haven't given the third pie its decorations yet, it's still cooling. :) I made all three crusts different in style and I'll write more about that another day - you won't believe what I used for one of the pies and for some decorations!

In addition, I've got a huge salad ready to go and two bags of shredded cheddar !

We're going to deliver the pies tonight because there is no way he can carry it all to school tomorrow and I need to be at work early.

I made a fabulous dinner the other night that I'd like to share more about in another post. It's a made up recipe for a terriyaki style salmon. Below you will see how I prepared and presented it, but I'm thinking cut in cubes with a toothpick as a great holiday appetizer! Minus the wilted spinach. :) but maybe with a fresh pineapple slice. The salmon was so tender but crispy at the edges. Oh my word. It was so good.

and although my son ate it, and liked it, another night this past week I made him one of his faves - pizza bagel. BUT, it's made with ground turkey, drained of fat. I have a special tip for keeping the bagel from getting soggy. Will share later this week - I need to go wrap the pies for delivery. :)

Hope you have had a great weekend!!!

mmmmmmmmmmmmm. pizzaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa bagellllllllllllllllll.