Diana Kirkpatrick Art You Can Wear

noreply@blogger.com (Art You Can Wear) — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 15:15:00 +0000

Art You Can Wear News

November 2014

I've been busy making jewelry for the shows I'm doing this fall and I have some new designs on the website.

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Something About Me

Since I haven't had the pleasure of meeting all of you in person, I thought I would share a little of my background.

Some of my fondest memories from growing up in the Washington DC area are of family trips to craft centers in the Appalachians and Blue Ridge mountains where I enjoyed seeing things that people made with their own hands - weaving and pottery and most of all handmade jewelry!

I earned a PhD in chemistry and pusued a career as a chemist in several government laboratories. After grad school I took advantage of opportunities to learn more about how jewelry is made and how gemstone cabochons are cut. Creating settings for the stones led me into silversmithing and wire wrapping. I guess I'm a perpetual student - I loved all of it.

A chance conversation with a colleague at a summer chemistry conference introduced me to belly dancing. I took a couple of classes and I was hooked! I was entranced by the movements, the music, and especially the costuming and the jewelry. It was a wonderful opportunity to dress up and become someone mysterious! I started selling jewelry and music to other dancers. This eventually grew into a full time business which I sold after many fun filled years of dancing, designing and selling costuming and jewelry.

I am passionate about my jewelry and I'm so energized by the designs I'm creating now that I want to share them with all my friends. My own eclectic approach to life and living is reflected in each of my creations.

I love to see my jewelry worn and enjoyed by others. The process of designing and creating fascinates and excites me. Each piece of my jewelry is lovingly created by me from the finest materials.

I work primarily in silver, gold, pearls, and gemstones. My jewelry is hand constructed piece by piece. I love doing custom pieces where I can work with the client to create pieces that reflect their aura and personality.

I moved to NM because this part of the country is the most deeply inspiring place I have ever been. I love the landscapes and especially the sky and the clouds with their ever changing patterns! I want my jewelry to communicate the excitement I feel about being in NM.

Texture is a fundamental element in many of my designs and I especially love textures and patterns taken from nature. I see wonderful textural elements in the rocks and plants around me and I incorporate those textures in my jewelry using small hand tools and a chasing hammer.

Upcoming Shows

November 14 & 15 I'm in Santa Fe at St. John's United Methodist Church, 1200 Old Pecos Trail, Santa Fe. Hours 9-5 both days

On November 21, I'm at the Los Alamos Middle School in Los Alamos. Hours are 9- 3:30

I'm on the wait list for the Rio Grande show the weekend following Thanksgiving so I won't know if I'm actually doing the show until the last minute

Popular Designs for Fall & Winter

I'll be adding new items and specials frequently between November 1 and Christmas

Coiled silver earrings http://dianakirkpatrick.com/product/coiled-flat-silver-earrings/

http://dianakirkpatrick.com/product/argentium-silver-spiral-earrings-with-garnets-medium/

A made to order shadowbox pendant in either brushed silver finish or a patinated finish as shown in the photo. This piece is also possible to customize just for you!

http://dianakirkpatrick.com/product/patinated-silver-shadowbox-pendant-turquoise-stone/

New Bracelets and Rings

http://dianakirkpatrick.com/product/wide-argentium-silver-ring-chased-design-silver-ball-accents/

http://dianakirkpatrick.com/product/1930/

I'm always delighted to create some special just for you.

www.dianakirkpatrick.com/ www.dianakirkpatrickart.etsy.com/ www.facebook.com/diana.kirkpatrick - my personal page www.facebook.com/ArtYouCanWear - my business page http://dianakirkpatrick.hubpages.com/hub/Gemstone_Art_You_Can_Wear http://dianakirkpatrick.hubpages.com/hub/Needlewoven_Necklaces http://dianakirkpatrick.hubpages.com/hub/ArtYouCanWear forward to a friend
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TIME FLIES!

noreply@blogger.com (Art You Can Wear) — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 21:10:00 +0000

Seems like August was brand new just a few days ago!   I've been working on new designs, getting ready to go into a new gallery, and setting up a big sale for next month.

I'm having a "Say Goodbye to Summer" sale in my Etsy store during the month of September.

You can save 20% off the listed prices on all vintage jewelry.   Sale prices and regular prices will be listed on all the sale items and there are some terrific deals to be had!

I'm working on new earring designs in copper - photos will be coming soon. I have also been working on a line of crosses - in silver, karat gold, and rose gold. These pieces will be custom orders - you choose your metal, your stones, and we collaborate on the design.

Rag Rug Festival in Santa Fe

noreply@blogger.com (Art You Can Wear) — Fri, 09 Aug 2013 19:01:00 +0000

The Rag Rug Festival in Santa Fe starts tonight with a gala Preview Party at the Museum of International Folk Art. The Festival runs both Saturday and Sunday - hope to see you there! My booth will be located in the Auditorium.

Memory Wire Bracelets - Perfect for You and/or Your Daughter!

noreply@blogger.com (Art You Can Wear) — Fri, 09 Aug 2013 18:49:00 +0000

I've just listed some memory wire bracelets in my Etsy store. They are available in pearls and several types of beads and they are only $15 each. These bracelets would make a perfect Mother and Daughter combo look.

Here's the link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/159153906/glass-bead-bracelets-on-memory-wire

The bracelets fit a wrist 8 inches or less around, but I can do a custom sized version for all but the pink glass beads - that's a one-of-a-kind. I also have one in white beads but I ran out of space for it in my Etsy listing.

New Line of Crosses

noreply@blogger.com (Art You Can Wear) — Thu, 18 Jul 2013 01:21:00 +0000

Lots of people have asked about the large cross that's on my Facebook Page and also on my business cards. Of course when you see the business cards you don't know how large it is - it is BIG! It's 4 inches across and 4 inches high.

I'm working on several small crosses in a variety of designs - most will feature weaving and some will be square like the one on the business card.

The cross on the left is a little over 2 inches high. It is waiting for a stone and added weaving in the arms. The cross on the right is just over 1 inch high and will also have a faceted stone and weaving in the arms.

These designs are also available in karat gold (14 or 18 kt).

JULY SALE ON ETSY!

noreply@blogger.com (Art You Can Wear) — Wed, 03 Jul 2013 16:44:00 +0000

Everything's On Sale!

Silver Spirals Necklace

From DianaKirkpatrickArt

❘❘❙❙❚❚ ON SALE ❚❚❙❙❘❘

A dramatic and unusual sterling silver necklace created around the theme of the eternal spiral. the chain of interconnected spirals is about 20 inches long with a center spiral pendant

Other Items

New Mexico Arts and Crafts Fair

noreply@blogger.com (Art You Can Wear) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:28:00 +0000

I'll be in Albuquerque for the New Mexico Arts and Crafts Fair this coming weekend. I am very excited!

The show runs from 10am - 9pm on Friday June 21, from 10am to 5pm on Saturday June 22, and from 10am to 4pm on Sunday June 23.

My booth is #28 and I'm located in Hall B of the Manuel Lujan Building.

Santa Fe Artists Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Art You Can Wear) — Fri, 24 May 2013 19:59:00 +0000

The Santa Fe Artists Tour will be June 28-30: 5:30-7:30pm on Friday June 28, 10am - 6pm on Saturday June 29, and Noon to 5pm on Sunday June 30.

I will be showing my jewelry at Studio 25 which is just off 2nd St and Lena at 1619 "C de Baca Lane"

Diamonds are Forever

noreply@blogger.com (Art You Can Wear) — Wed, 08 May 2013 21:40:00 +0000

Last Sunday's New York Times had a wonderful and fascinating article about the woman who coined that memorable slogan "diamonds are forever."

Here's a link to the article - I'm sure you will enjoy reading it:

http://nyti.ms/Zt5v7W

Zia Gemstone Necklaces

noreply@blogger.com (Art You Can Wear) — Sat, 04 May 2013 01:25:00 +0000

I've created a line of Zia Gemstone Necklaces!

The Zia Sun Symbol is the state symbol of New Mexico. The Zia Sun originated in ancient times with the people of the Zia Pueblo.

You'll soon find some of these Zia inspired designs on my website (www.dianakirkpatrick.com) and also in my Etsy store (www.dianakirkpatrickart.etsy.com). Here's a preview of some of the necklaces:

April Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Art You Can Wear) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 20:20:00 +0000

The April Sale in my ETSY store continues! Save 15% off everything - vintage jewelry and also my handmade. art jewelry.

Visit www.artyoucanwear.etsy.com to see what's on sale!

Big Sale in my Etsy Store this Month!

noreply@blogger.com (Art You Can Wear) — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 21:04:00 +0000

There's a big sale going on at my Etsy shop - now through the end of April everything is 15% off the regular price!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/120287962/jasper-and-silver-necklace-with-earrings?ref=shop_home_feat

Catching Up - Madonna Necklace

noreply@blogger.com (Art You Can Wear) — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 19:14:00 +0000

I always seem to be playing catch up with my work and the blogs. I've been fortunate to get some of my jewelry into one local gallery and I will have pieces in at least one (hopefully two) upcoming shows!

The chasing and repousse' is coming along. The piece shown in one of my Madonnas. I've almost completed a sterling silver and garnet necklace with a floral motif - just a bit more smoothing around the edges here and there. I'll post photos of that later in the week.

Kitty Video

noreply@blogger.com (Art You Can Wear) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 19:23:00 +0000

Scroll down on my blog to see a hilarious kitty video - one of the best I've seen!

Artists Exposed

noreply@blogger.com (Art You Can Wear) — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 20:47:00 +0000

I've been included in a Treasury of Etsy artists:

https://www.etsy.com/treasury/ODU5MjN8NTk2MjQx/meet-the-artists-exposed

noreply@blogger.com (Art You Can Wear) — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 01:59:00 +0000

I’m very excited! I’ve been accepted to the New Mexico Arts & Crafts fair in late June. My copper jewelry is coming along so I’ll have some of those pieces to display at the show.

The last earrings I did are too large for me – they will probably become pendants.

FEBRUARY SALE starts Today!

noreply@blogger.com (Art You Can Wear) — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 17:04:00 +0000

My month-long FEBRUARY SALE starts today! The coupon code is FEBRUARY2013 and it's good for 10% off in my Etsy store (www.dianakirkpatrickart.etsy.com) and also on my website (www.dianakirkpatrick.com)

February Sale Starts Soon

noreply@blogger.com (Art You Can Wear) — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 21:00:00 +0000

My February Sale starts on February 1st! The sale will run for all of February both on my website www.dianakirkpatrick.com and also at my Etsy shop www.dianakirkpatrickart.etsy.com

Don't miss the savings! I'll post the Coupon Code the end of January.

Some of My Favorite Gemstones

noreply@blogger.com (Art You Can Wear) — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 20:18:00 +0000

Gems are described by chemical composition, crystal structure, and where they are found. Gems are further classified based on properties like refractive index (how they bend light), luster, hardness, etc. Perfection in appearance is of primary importance in the finished gemstone. A gemstone can be a mineral, a rock, or any petrified material that’s suitable for use in jewelry. Diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and amethysts are generally the most valuable.

Many gemstones have long and complex histories. Some specific gems have a lot of lore attached to them. The gems listed here are some of my all time favorites.

Agate – a form of chalcedony that occurs in many colors with a variety of inclusions. Some people believe that wearing agate increases perceptiveness and also brings good luck, inspiration and strength to the wearer.

Alexandrite – a form of chrysoberyl which exhibits a dramatic color change (red to green) depending on the lighting.

Amber – a fossilized resin that occurs in a range of colors. Amber is thought to dispel negative energies and to encourage a positive attitude. It was used for medicinal purposes at one time.

Amethyst – a form of quartz that ranges in color from light to deep purple. The color is due to the presence of iron and aluminum impurities According to gemstone lore, some people believe that amethyst provides protection to the wearer (amulets of amethyst were worn into battle in Medieval times), brings calmness, and might even ward off drunkenness.

Aquamarine – generally a delicate light blue color, aquamarine can occur in more intense shades. Chemically, aquamarine is a beryl. The blue color of aquamarine is due to traces of iron. At one time it was worn an amulet thought to promote safety when traveling over water

Aventurine – quartz family with inclusions that affect the color (chromium produces green to blue colors while iron produces orange to brown shades. Aventurine is considered to encourage motivation, creativity, healing, hope, and to bring abundance.

Azurite – an intensely blue gemstone that frequently occurs with malachite. The blue color is due to the presence of copper in the stone’s chemistry. Azurite has been used as a blue pigment since ancient times. The ancient Egyptians used it as an eye makeup. Azurite has long been used as a healing stone and it is reputed to clear the mind and to enhance receptivity.

Beryl – this gem occurs in many different colors – the intense green form is known as Emerald, while the lighter blue form is Aquamarine.

Bloodstone – bloodstone is a deep green chalcedony with red spots. It’s also called heliotrope. Bloodstone is thought to encourage healing, improve decision making.

Chalcedony – quartz; includes both banded “agates” and onyx depending on the structure

Carnelian – Carnelian is a translucent orange/red to red/brown variety of chalcedony. The red tints are caused by iron oxide impurities. Carnelian is recommended to improve mental clarity and may assist people overcoming anger and maintaining self-control. It was highly valued for ornamentation by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans It was reputedly used by the Egyptian goddess Isis to protect the dead on their journey through the afterlife. Carnelian was thought to provide increased energy. Ancient Egyptians set carnelian with turquoise and lapis lazuli for enhanced power.

Chrysoberyl – once widely popular for jewelry, chrysoberyl is now relatively rare. Chrysoberlyl has hard greenish yellow crystals. Alexandrite is one variety that exhibits color change.

Chryoprase – an apple-green form of chalcedony

Cinnabar – mercury sulphide ore with distinct red to brick red color.

Coral – variety of colors depending on variety and frequently dyed. Coral is thought to increase awareness and objectivity. Provides calmness, quiets emotions

Diamond – made of pure carbon, diamond is the hardest, densest, and rarest gem. Diamond is thought to encourage hope, promote healing, and impart protection.

Emerald – a beryl stone with traces of chromium and sometimes vanadium providing the intense green coloration, emeralds are extremely popular for jewelry. Emeralds have been known since ancient times and were mined as early as 2000 BC.

Fluorite – this gem comes in a variety of colors from purple to pink and green and many shades in between. It has a glassy luster and it fluoresces or glows blue under UV light. Fluorite is thought to increase intuition, to foster harmony and balance in relationships, and may attract abundance and wealth.

Garnet – there are several different forms of garnet, but they are all related. The most common colors are oranges, reds, and greens. Garnet is thought to encourage friendship and fellowship

Check out my New Etsy "About" Page

noreply@blogger.com (Art You Can Wear) — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 03:08:00 +0000

Check out my new "About" page at my Etsy store. Here's the link:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/DianaKirkpatrickArt/about/

Art You Can Wear Newsletters - Coming Soon!

noreply@blogger.com (Art You Can Wear) — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 22:31:00 +0000

I’m going to try for 4 newsletters in 2013. If you haven’t been receiving my newsletter, send me your email address and I’ll add you to the list.

Each issue will have a coupon code for a sale on on website at www.dianakirkpatrick.com, in my Etsy shop (www.dianakirkpatrickart.etsy.com), or in both stores. I’ll publicize the sale in my blogs, too, but you’ll hear about it first in the newsletter.

The month of February will be my first sale for 2013 and the coupon code will be good all month long. The coupon will be in addition to any other discounts I am offering and will apply to everything listed on the site.

Seasons Greetings!

noreply@blogger.com (Art You Can Wear) — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 19:28:00 +0000

Lots to do in Santa Fe

noreply@blogger.com (Art You Can Wear) — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 19:22:00 +0000

I’ve never been in Santa Fe for Thanksgiving through Christmas and I’m excited about all the fascinating things that are going on during the holiday season.

Over the next several weeks there will be a lot of special sales events coming up by local businesses and artists. Last weekend I went to a sale by several artists at the Women’s Club today – interesting and I’ll have to investigate how I might become part of this event next year. I’m participating in the Holiday Fiber Market show at the Women’s Club next month so it was interesting so see the venue in advance.

Also going on last weekend is the Winter Indian Market at the Santa Fe Convention Center. Approximately 130 artists participated I saw a lot of beautiful jewelry, marvelous painting and photography, and a fabulous cashmere hand-embroidered coat that was definitely to die for. I’ve always wanted a story teller figure and bought a smaller one with a striking native hairdo by Linda Fragua (Jemez Pueblo).

Holiday Shopping

noreply@blogger.com (Art You Can Wear) — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 16:07:00 +0000

More Copper Pieces to Show You

noreply@blogger.com (Art You Can Wear) — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 20:57:00 +0000

I'm gradually adding three lines of copper jewelry: polished and textured disk earrings and pendants in different "flavors", 3-D flower pendants (earrings will follow), and hammered/chased Hand pendants and earrings (not quite ready yet).

These are prototypes for additional pieces and pieces in different metals. The photos here illustrate what I'm doing and if the reception is positive I can produce similar items in silver and gold. All the pieces are handmade from my original designs.