An Artistic Journey

Spring Cleaning, OK a little Late!

2011-06-01T09:24:00.000-05:00

As I sit in my office looking at the pile of winter coats that I have rescued from the overflowing closets on the main floor, I wonder how I could have let it pile up so badly. I'll tell you why, or at least I will try to rationalize why. "Try going one day without one juicy rationalization." One of my favorite quotes from The Big Chill.

Let's see, there is the 10yo boy who had soccer games, talent shows, and art classes. Then there is the 13yo who had band practice and recitals, student council events, and basically just needs her own personal chauffeur. There is an 81yo father that goes to doctor appointments, needed hip surgery and rehab, and now cardiac rehab which I have yet to setup since I was busy working at the school my kids attend for one hour a day since there were no other positions available and I didn't want to lose my seniority. Then there is my husband who usually is out of town at least one to two weeks a month and finds little things for me to do when I am usually at my busiest. Not to mention the outside of the house that needed gardening and tending.

After all that is going on, somewhere I get to do my thing. You know the thing that keeps me sane but that I don't have time for, making jewelry. It is really more about the therapy than the actual making jewelery as I get to escape everything else and focus on what I am working on.

Well, as I started to get ready to tidy the house, I went on a frantic search for the carpet cleaner. Oh yes, lest we forget, we also have two elderly cats that have digestive issues and leave surprises on the carpets for us to wake up to. So as I am looking for the carpet cleaner in places it shouldn't be, I opened up the closet and a pile of jackets fell at my feet. The ones I asked my daughter to hang up before company came over, which by the way was for her benefit as it was her eighth grade grad party, no less.

I absolutely lost it. I went up to her room and among the clutter of clothes in varying degrees of cleanliness all over, not to mention the life size poster of one of her favorite heartthrobs lurking in the corner that always gives my heart a stop when I enter her room, I informed my daughter that today was cleaning day! I then proceeded to inform my son, who was faking sleep, that his room was also on the agenda. I then went into my bedroom and decided that yes today was the day I was going to put all the winter clothes away so I could have room for the piles of summer clothes, half of which I probably don't fit in, but that's a different story.

What am I doing instead of this cleaning frenzy? I am sitting at my desk dreading the actual act of cleaning up. Yes, I know it must get done and that I am merely procrastinating the inevitable but I can't help but think this all could have been avoided if we all just went those extra steps to keeping our personal spaces neat and organized as well as the common areas. Is it really too much to ask for? Apparently, the answer is yes.

I remember some show and this woman using juggling as a metaphor for life. Each of the balls is one aspect of your life. The kids, your husband, other loved ones, pets, work, managing the house and yourself. Life is basically being able to juggle all of these things in a practiced easy effort. Yeah right! Every now and then one of those balls falls on the floor while you are trying to keep the others flying in the air. Usually the first to go is yourself, I could write a whole blog on that one but again, that is a different story. I don't really mind the sacrifice because I have learned that I actually do enjoy being there for my family and knowing that they are taken care of since I will soon be sending off my kids to be contributing independent individuals, one day, just not now. My dad will leave this world, hopefully peacefully and look over me from where ever laughing his ass off. My husband and I will be able to remember why we chose each other and learn to live life happily ever after until he does something to annoy me and vice versa, should I care to be fair.

The second ball that usually falls is the managing the house. Yeah so the dishes are still in the sink, the counters look like they were smeared with tomato paste, the carpets have tufts of cat fur and sometimes furballs and yes Delia, I also have clothes in varying degrees of cleanliness on my bedroom floor and closet. On every other chair in the kitchen and dining room there is an unhung coat or sweater, usually mine, that needs to be hung up. There is usually a pile of mail on the kitchen counter which has been forgotten that needs to be moved to my office for further neglect. Doctor and Dentist appointments that must be made so that children can attend school. A refrigerator that, well, I won't even go into that!

Somewhere something has to give. Damn it all to hell, today is that day! Although realistically this is probably going to take more than a few days. Hmm...pool anyone?

Angel Dance

2010-09-21T00:33:00.000-05:00

I just saw a video for a song called Angel Dance by Robert Plant. It is a cover of a Los Lobos song. The video was filmed in the Pilsen Neighborhood of Chicago, where I grew up.

Some of the images brought back some really great memories I have of growing up there. Pilsen was/is a predominately Hispanic neighborhood. When I was growing up, over thirty years ago, a good percentage of my neighbors were straight from Mexico, barely spoke Engish, were Low-Income, but very hard working. I felt that the video portrayed Pilsen in a very positive light.

I remember growing up in my grandfather's apartment building on a corner street. We lived on the second floor with my Aunt, Uncle and cousins in the back apartment. There was a tavern on the first floor and my grandpa lived in the back first floor apartment. We didn't have a very big yard at all so the sidewalk was our playground. We did have an empty lot across the street where we would play softball in the summer. My cousins and I would play in the hallways and sneak up to the Attic sometimes.

My grandfather was considered the "Mayor" of 18th Street because he knew just about everyone in the neighborhood and would talk to everyone as he walked his dogs during the day. He spoke broken English but had a smile with twinkling eyes that just made you laugh. He always knew when we were up to something. He would just give us that look and we knew we were busted.

In the summer time it would get so hot that the only relief would be when someone would open up one of the fire hydrants and all the neighborhood kids and sometimes adults would run in and out of the water as someone would use an old tire and wood board to create a spray fountain.

We would ride our bikes all day long to Harrison Park or even go as far as McKinley Park, which was two or three neighborhoods over. I remember "pick-up" softball games, the ice cream vendors, the mariachi music, the penny candy store, the mouth watering aromas of the Supermercados, and just hanging out with friends until it was time to go home.

It wasn't the safest or cleanest neighborhood, but it was home and we didn't know that we were poor. We just went to school, came home, played and went on with life. I think a lot of what I saw and did during those times makes me think back on how easier life was when we didn't have much. I know that growing up in that neighborhood made me a tolerant, compassionate person.

Although, some would argue that I have a hard and brash personality that might seem abrasive and distant. I learned at an early age that you had to put up a tough exterior in order to survive. I guess I have carried that attitude with me throughout my life because it's a safe haven and I'm used to it. Very few people have seen through this exterior when I let my guard down.

For all the loud noise there is a gentle soul there and I know it's because of how and where I was raised. There was love, strength and compassion. I just hope that my children will be able to remember their childhood as fondly as I do. More importantly, I hope they can carry my better attributes with them as they grow up and have kids of their own.

A Clean Slate

2010-09-18T22:05:00.006-05:00

Every now and then I decide it's a good time to start over. A clean slate, a fresh coat of paint, new design for my website, clean my studio, clean out closets...whatever you want to call it. I think it might be part of my obsessive compulsiveness. Like folding my clothes a certain way so they fit nice and neat in my drawers with very little wrinkles. Or reorganizing my jewelry tools and supplies just when I have figured out where everything is. The sad part is that I forget the new place I have put stored things and end up making a mess anyway, c'mon you know what I'm talking about.

I was talking with another mom today at my son's soccer game and we were laughing how when we were young we had attention deficit issues and how they started to go away by the time we were adults. But as we got older, we started to decline again and having kids speeds up that process twofold. You know, short term memory loss, because there is only so much "room" to remember things for everyone else that your personal memory bank gets depleted. So you end up having to be organized or you forget where stuff is.

But I digress, in my journey as an artist, I am always looking for new methods, techniques, anything to bring out my creativity. I am part of a wonderful group of women that has started a new group, Illinois Metal and Jewelry Artists. We met through this awesome Art Jewelry class at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake, IL. It was like kindred spirits finding our way to the light. The "light" being what drives us to create art. It has really changed the way I look at life since I try to use different perspectives, not just what feels safe or easy. Our intent is to promote our art through a collective effort.

I also signed up for this online class called Homesteaders Metalsmithing by Stephanie Lee. One of my jewelry friends took the class this summer and recommended it to me. As I look at the different projects and style of Stephanie Lee's creations, I have a feeling I am going to love it!

On top of all this, I decided to redesign my jewelry website. A fresh clean simple look that still reflects what my vision is. So what is my vision? Hmm...that's a hard one. The best description I can give is eclectic artisan jewelry with an aged but treasured look. Kind of like how I would describe myself. I don't particularly like shiny new but a little sparkle or glint of light will do. I love to be able to touch and look at a piece to feel and see the work that went into it. You can look at my jewelry and know that I am passionate and enjoy what I do.

I know I promised earlier in the year that I would do a better job of blogging and putting down my ideas but somehow life has a tendency of getting in the way or moving too fast. Part of my Clean Slate theory is to wipe clean, start over and move on. My hope is that all this reorganizing and starting over will clear the path to a clean fresh perspective on my life and my art.

Welcome to a New Year!

2010-01-27T20:36:00.003-06:00

Well, it is 2010 and here's hoping for not only a better year but a busier one. I have made a promise to myself to create one thing a day. Whether it be a card, piece of jewelry, scrapbook layout or even adding to my previously defunct and abandoned blog. I need to be more creative this year. I have been priming myself for bigger and better things and now it is time to be more productive!

I refuse to call it a resolution as I don't want it to be about just this year. I want it to be about moving into the future. One new and fun change has been the addition of a business venture. I decided to jump into becoming a Close To My Heart Consultant.

A friend introduced me to their products and I just love their easy to follow layouts. I have been avoiding the whole scrapbooking scene since I have mostly felt intimidated. I have a friend/neighbor who is crazy creative when it comes to her page layouts. I mean she made a tiki hut out of strips of paper. She's amazing! While I don't think I could be that creative, I would like to start documenting some of my childrens' memories since I have a handful of pictures from my childhood. I think they might appreciate it when they have kids of their own.

So while I am able to take some "side trips" with scrapbooking, I can leave myself more open to my jewelry making. I am going into my fifth semester of Art Jewelry at MCC. I am pretty excited about the syllabus this semester. Right now I am playing with different enameling techniques. I already have a great idea for the "Series" project! My brain is buzzing with new ideas. I just wish that I could be taking the morning session with my very creative and inspiring friends. But I do get to catch up with my evening session friends who I haven't seen in awhile.

Next week I will be teaching a six week Jewelry class at River Art Studio and Gallery in Algonquin, Illinois. I have completed the first two "lesson plans" and need to document the next four. I am going to attempt to make some class kits tonight. I will try to finish that off this weekend.

Already I will be very busy. I just hope I can keep up with myself and my family!

I've been Blogged!

2009-01-17T11:00:00.003-06:00

I am very excited! This is the first time I have been blogged! My jewelry creations are my passion.

Just over two years ago, I joined a little website called Etsy. It is one of the sites that I sell on but it is probably the best thing that could have ever happened to me. I have met some of the most wonderful artists and artisans. Etsy is not just an online mall. It is a community of handcrafted junkies like myself. The community aspect of Etsy is what keeps me going.

I belong to two street teams JewelryOnEtsy and Eclectic Jewelry Artisans. Both groups harbor the most giving, fun-loving and talented artists that I have been happy to have met. The purpose of a street team is to gather our efforts to promote ourselves, each other and share knowledge of our chosen artistic medium.

But there is also fun to be had! We are able to vent to each other about common issues, chat and laugh about silly things on Wednesday or Friday nights, but most importantly support each other in our business and even in our personal lives.

Like life nothing is perfect, Etsy is not perfect but it is the perfect place to meet and join up with like minded individuals.

Check out these two great Etsy Street Teams or find one that fits your interests.

Lifting Winter's Warm Blanket

2009-01-06T07:36:00.005-06:00

Well, the holidays are over and things are beginning to resume back to "normal". Our family schedule is kicking into high gear. Kids are back in school, hubby is in his office and I am back at work and looking forward to starting up another semester of Art Jewelry.

The weather here in Northwest Illinois has been very unpredictable. Our holiday vacation started out with a blizzard and ended with a cold wet wind. It was too cold to go out most days and by the time it warmed up all the snow was gone. Even though we were all getting a little cabin fever, it was nice to spend time at home together. Most days were spent watching movies, playing video games (yes even I love to play Guitar Heroes with the kids!), or just snuggled up under a nice warm blanket restoring some of the energy that the holidays seem to suck out of you. I found myself getting a little too comfortable with the sleeping late, getting up late and just not wanting to do very much. Humans are not meant to hibernate!

Like a very pleasant end to my winter vacation, I had some friends over for a Ladies Playdate. Everyone brought their projects, wonderful food and laughter! I always love social gatherings but I especially love gatherings that include creating something, sharing ideas and learning something new. There is nothing like getting a group of very artistic ladies together to get the inspirational juices flowing. My class starts up next week and I am looking forward to bringing some new ideas to life.

So while it has been a nice long vacation from the hustle and bustle of the holidays, I am ready to lift the warm comforting blanket and get moving!

EJA Mystical Moon Sale

2008-10-09T06:58:00.004-05:00

Starting October 9, 2008 and lasting until Monday, Oct. 13th midnight, is your chance to save big on a wide variety of original, quality handcrafted jewelry from EJA members. It's our "Mystical Moon Sales Event"!

I am offering 20% off on all jewelry currently in stock! To receive this offer, include "Mystical Moon" in the note to seller and you'll be issued an updated invoice.
http://deliasdelight.etsy.com

In our team store, we are offering 15% off every item as well as free shipping! To receive this offer, include "Mystical Moon" in the note to seller and you'll be issued an updated invoice.
http://TeamEJA.Etsy.com

But wait, there is more!
We have other members who are also offering sales in their individual stores! From 20% off to bogo-50, it's totally worth visiting all the shops. For a listing of participating members and what their sales offering is, just visit our main website at:
http://EclecticJewelryArtisans.com

The list will be posted on the front page but feel free to visit our member galleries and featured artists page. There's also some great jewelry related and business articles to check out. And don't forget to sign up for our mailing list which enters you into one of our jewelry and gift giveaways! You don't want to miss out on those because each gift bag is worth over $50!!!
If you are interested in joining EJA, please read the About page at our main site before applying.

Thanks and Happy Shopping!

Unfinished Projects - A Summer Proposal

2008-06-20T13:15:00.004-05:00

Some people like to have New Year's Resolutions. I don't, well, I don't anymore. If I can't commit to something right away, I'm just not going to follow through on it on the day after I just ate a whole prime rib or have a hangover.

I know I'm not the only one that has a treasure trove of unfinished projects hidden away. I say hidden away because it is really quite embarrassing how many I have. I have a plastic container that has roughly about 30 projects that I started or at least separated specific beads, fibers, and other materials that are neatly packed into little plastic baggies. Some of the concepts are quite recognizable and I'm pretty sure I can pickup where I left off on about half of them. Then there are a few that cause me to pause and say out loud, "What was I thinking?!" Let's not forget those two or three projects that just scream, "Please, please destroy any evidence of me!"

But I am going to start a new Summer Proposal. I propose that I will either finish all of those unfinished projects or rejoin the sundries back to their happy families only to spawn new projects. I propose that I will finish projects that I start in the hopes that I can be rid of any further embarrassment. Please come join me on this magical journey! You can do it too!

DISCLAIMER: Summer is only three months long so if you don't get to all of the unfinished projects you can always say "Well, I just ran out of time!"

EJA Treasure Hunt for Jewels

2008-05-19T13:00:00.002-05:00

The Eclectic Jewelry Artisans Present:
A Treasure Hunt for Jewels

The Etsy Eclectic Jewelry Artisans are doing it again! EJA is holding a giveaway and we have fantastic handmade prizes for you to win!
To enter our drawing simply follow these steps:

1. Visit our team store and find the store names of any 2 members.
http://TeamEJA.Etsy.com

2. Visit our main web site and find the store names of 2 more members.
http://EclecticJewelryArtisans.com

3. Use the "Mailing List" to send in your 4 answers.
http://eclecticjewelryartisans.com/shopeja/misc/mailing.html

We'll enter you into our drawing to be held on May 26th, 08 (Memorial Day) and this time, 5 lucky people will win!!

The Warm Winds of Spring!

2008-03-09T10:41:00.004-05:00

OK so it isn't really that warm, 30 degrees but for those of us in Suburban Chicago, 30 is a heatwave!

The good news is that with Spring comes new growth! Not just the bursting of life outside but the growth that comes with new challenges and the things that pop up in everyday life that cause us to grow or change in some new way.

I have been taking this Art Jewelry class at McHenry County College and I just love it! The Ladies (and one Gentleman) are so supportive and willing to lend advice. I have even been asked a few times for help or advice which I am always happy to give! It is just a great nurturing environment and I know I was meant to take this class to grow as an artist.

Through this I have also found an opportunity to teach at the Midwest Fiber and Folk Art Fair that will be hosted at the college. One of my classmates referred me to the gal running it and it just worked out!

Best of all, my husband is finally done with my studio in the basement! I just got my torch hooked up and I am going to start teaching classes in my studio! I have a good feeling about this since I will be able to work around other's schedules and mine and not worry about child care.

I did get one of my tutorials published in Step by Step Wire Jewelry which I am very proud of. This was just the boost I needed to get motivated to do more tutorials and submit proposals for classes at some other Jewelry Fests in the near future.

While I have had some health and personal issues the past few weeks which seemed to bog me down a bit, it seems that all is well and good things are coming my way.

So I guess my advice or comment to all is just get through the day because there is always something brighter on the horizon. Be ready for those winds of change with a positive outlook!

It may be cold outside, but it's HOT Metal inside!

2008-02-10T08:36:00.000-06:00

Brrrrr! It is cold outside! I live in Illinois just outside the Wisconsin border and looking out my back window it is a frozen tundra as far as the eye can see! My temperature gauge says -5 degrees but my DH tells me the wind chill is -32 below. I guess I am not going to Costco this morning.

However, the bright side to this is that I get to play in my work studio! I just got some new Kazuri Beads and I have purchased some awesome new gemstones from my local bead shop, Katherine's Bead Boutique. Even better, remember that horrid mess of a work studio I had last year? Well, last week I finally got to tidying up and I can actually find everything, well most everything.

I guess the one advantage to being trapped in your house, especially if you are a crafter or artisan, there is always something to do!

In January, I started this wonderful class at McHenry County College, called Art Jewelry. It is so exciting! It combines metalsmithing techniques with an emphasis on Wearable Art. And our text book is the Tim McCreight bible, The Complete Metalsmith, which strangely enough I have read cover to cover at least four times.

I just finished the focal piece of my first project yesterday. The project involved the use of cold connections and patterns using piercing, stamping and texture. I chose to work on a mini book with a tube rivet hinge. The hard part was actually designing and doing a demo piece so that the front page opened properly. I already had a design in mind as soon as I found out it was all cold connections I just didn't know how it was going to come together. I learned alot about the importance of measuring and what steps need to be accomplished in what sequence. I spent about 30 hours on the focal piece and while it is not perfect, I am happy with how it turned out! Now that the hard part is over, I just need to design a necklace with it! I'm thinking turquoise!

EJA Collaboration Gift Giveaway and Special 2008 Sale

2008-02-04T08:38:00.000-06:00

The Eclectic Jewelry Artisans Present:
A Special 2008 Sale and Gift Giveaway!!!!

Team EJA is doing it again, another fantastic giveaway of handcrafted jewelry and gifts that are valued at $50!! Here is what you need to do to enter the drawing:

1. Visit http://TeamEJA.Etsy.com
2. Click on “Collaboration” in the menu.
3. Choose your favorite item to vote for.
4. Cast your vote by filling out this form:
Voting Form and Signup
Note: One vote per person. Drawing will be held on Valentines Day, 08. Three people will win!

Onto the sale…
Team EJA is offering FREE SHIPPING and 10% off on any item in their shop over $20!!! To take advantage of this great sale, please purchase your item and then wait for an updated invoice from EJA. Prices in the shop do not reflect the discounts. This offer is valid until Feb. 19th, 08.
Our shop is located at: http://TeamEJA.Etsy.com

And feel free to visit our website for member listings, articles and more fantastic jewelry.

A Winter Wonderland Giveaway

2007-11-23T10:58:00.000-06:00

The Eclectic Jewelry Artisans present:
A Winter Wonderland Giveaway

Three lucky winners will get a prize package worth $50!
Drawing will be held on Dec. 14th, 07.

Two ways to enter:
Visit http://eclecticjewelryartisans.com and find the member's banner
with the red outline.
or
Visit http://teamEJA.etsy.com and name one person in the "Reflecting"
category.

Send in your answer by filling out this form:
http://eclecticjewelryartisans.com/shopeja/misc/mailing.html

If you answer both questions, I'll give you 2 entries into the drawing.

Happy Holidays from the Eclectic Jewelry Artisans!!

Getting Ready for the Big Show!

2007-11-06T19:55:00.000-06:00

Am I the only one that stays up until 3am the night(or morning) before an Art and Craft show that starts at 9am the next day?
Yeah, I'm one of those nervous nellies that waits until the last minute. That panic that sets in that makes you create more jewelry in fear you might run out (HAH, only in a perfect world). Or the organizing of your display materials so that you pack them in the order in which you will take them out and put your display together at the show. Or the making sure that every item is tagged properly, shined or in perfect display readiness. Then of course there is the bringing of extra pens, calculators, sales receipts, hand-stamped gift bags and boxes, tissue paper for wrapping, or office supplies for just in case emergencies. Yes, ladies and gents, the rabbit hole goes deep! And then when you get to the show you are amoung the first to arrive to make sure that you get every bit of that 6 foot table space you put your money down on weeks or months ahead of time. As you put out your display you watch as the disorganized crafters drag their rumpled cardboard boxes filled to the brim with tablecloths and hanging apparatus that use to be used for something entirely different. Oh those poor lost souls that probably got a good night's sleep the night before as you pondered and preened after every last detail. It's insanity I tell you! But after all is said and done, you sit back and sip your favorite house blend coffee that you brought from home in your togo cup that you bought in bulk at Costco, as you sit and watch the other vendors scramble to get their crafts perfectly displayed. Hee hahahaahaha, YEAH!

Vote for your Favorite and Win!

2007-10-21T21:42:00.000-05:00

The Eclectic Jewelry Artisan Etsy Street Team is holding a designer's challenge and competition. Our theme is "Reflecting". When you vote, you will be entered into our free gift giveaway on October 26th!!

Here's what you need to do:
1. Visit the new Team EJA store at: http://TeamEJA.Etsy.com
2. Click on "Reflecting Competition" on the right-hand side menu to see all the entries.
3. Then click this link to cast your vote: http://eclecticjewelryartisans.com/shopeja/misc/mailing.html

If you are already an Etsy member, you may also vote by sending a convo.

Discounts: As part of the grand opening of the new Team EJA store, we are offering free shipping on all items through the month of October! In the note to seller just enter "Grand Opening" and we will send an updated invoice.

What a Mess!

2007-10-13T21:22:00.000-05:00

Ok! So it's Saturday night and my husband and I just looked through the Harbor Freight Hardware Catalog together while the children watched Madagascar. Sounds romantic right?!

He has been traveling a lot lately because of work and we have had very little time alone together. We talk to each other at least once a day when he travels but it just seems like we have had no downtime. My schedule is just crazy busy with work, volunteering at the kids school, maintaining the household, fundraising, trying to get pictures and postings up for jewelry and hmm maybe even making some jewelry.

I have been avoiding my work studio like the plague cuz it's just a mess! I need one good day just to clear off my workbench so I can make some new jewelry. I have some ideas and sketches of ideas but no room to create them cuz there's crap all over the place! Scrapbooking stuff, stamping stuff, beads, wire, tools you name it, it's down there.

I'm actually a pretty organized person and have been accused of being anal retentive about how I like to keep things in a specific orderly fashion. It just makes my life a litttle easier if I know where every thing is. Problem is that when I start making jewelry, I get carried away and stuff goes everywhere! I have been so busy that I usually am making stuff as I go and not taking time to clean up after myself. So I am dedicating Monday to cleaning up my work studio.

I work at a Bead shop (Katherine's Bead Boutique)which is like heaven to me. So I have been working to help get the shop organized also. So I am in the right frame of mind. I just have to force myself to get down those stairs and start tiding!

Wouldn't it be great if we could just have one extra day a week to do the little things that get pushed off the schedule or that would make the rest of the week easier?! Yeah, dream on!