The Magpie's Treasure

Up to My Ears in Snow: The Blizzard of 2010

2010-02-12T14:41:38-05:00

While it's been snowing, I've been working in the studio, making snow angels, and cooking up a storm!

Started the Week With My Torch Ablaze

2010-02-02T08:24:12-05:00

It was a lazy and snowy weekend here in Virginia. My husband built a rip-roaring fire for us and we spent Saturday afternoon watching movies and snowflakes falling. (Did anyone else cry when they watched "Up"? What a sweet movie, but I needed to keep the tissues close!) It was a perfect way to rest up for the new week and when I returned to my studio yesterday, my mind was clear and my hands were ready to work. I ended up with two projects going at once. (Click this image to see more photos of this work in progress.)...

Friday's Affirmation for Artists - Remember to Take A Bow!

2010-01-29T17:10:46-05:00

Standing in front of an audience or wearing my pride on my sleeve--are not things I'm comfortable doing. But as an artist, I'm learning that it's important to take a bow every once in a while.

When the Going Gets Tough--The Tough Reach for Their Affirmations

2010-01-27T21:43:35-05:00

Here's an affirmation that most of us can use. There are those things that we do over & over again even though we know they don't get us closer to our goals. Sometimes it helps to have a reminder that once we let go we'll be on our way and so much happier.

More Affirmations for Artists for 2010

2010-01-26T23:01:55-05:00

Here's one more of my affirmations. Be. Do. Have. I borrowed this one from artist coach Christine Kane. Even though the success of a business is measured in monetary terms, the rewards that really keep me fired up are rewards for the heart--like the great feeling I get when I make personal connections with others through art, or the personal satisfaction I feel when I master a new technique, or even the swell of pride I experience when I finish making a piece that I think is really beautiful. So when I repeat this particular affirmation to myself those are...

It's a New Year With New Affirmations To Fire Us Up

2010-01-25T19:01:52-05:00

I hope your new year is getting off to a great start! I leaped into 2010 with a broom & dust pan in hand--had to give my studio a good straightening up. Then I joined an art biz class--the Blast Off Class taught by Alyson Stanfield. Here are a few of the illustrated affirmations for artists that I've been creating for motivation. -- It's my favorite assignment!

Jewelry Design Gets Personal

2009-11-22T07:30:00-05:00

Oh my gosh! The big brown UPS truck just pulled out of my driveway, and left behind this beautiful book-- The Penland Book of Jewelry: Master Classes in Jewelry Techniques. This isn't your usual tips & techniques guide to jewelry making...

So Many Projects, So Little Time

2009-11-19T10:09:47-05:00

If I had my way, I'd work on one project at a time, but I never seem to be able to do that. Right now, I have several projects in various states of completion. Here are a few of them.

'Tis The Season To Be Jolly And To Spread The Glitter!

2009-11-17T17:21:23-05:00

I'm making festive packaging for holiday shows and the glitter is everywhere!

Making Art is About Making Connections

2009-10-29T18:35:21-04:00

The holiday season is a busy time of year for most folks--especially artists who participate in holiday art markets. I usually sell my work in shops or online, but in the Autumn I like to add a few holiday markets to my calendar. They are great opportunities, not just to make sales, but to meet my customers face to face--hear what they like about my work or what they would like to see added to my collection. The events also give me a chance to meet other artists--admire their work and hear their insights about living and breathing the creative...