2015 A Year in Review for Sj Designs

Another year has just sped by for me, my family, and my business...  I honestly don't know where it went!  (I feel like I must apologize to my Mama for the millionth time for doubting her wisdom about time going faster and faster the older you get!) 

As I sit down to write this post, I realize that I never got around to setting concrete goals for myself for 2015.  Oops!  I guess I was just so busy doing things that the planning part got a little lost in the shuffle.  Really, a lot of my 2014 goals just rolled over for the new year with the added idea of growing my business beyond Unearthed Arts.  So... here's a little recap.  I hope you enjoy strolling down memory lane with me a bit before we christen the shiny new year!

Learning (and Using!) New Techniques

• This was my second year going on the Bead Cruise with my good friend Kathleen.  While I haven't done too well with using the techniques I learned on this year's cruise, I did make a bunch of the macrame style bracelets that Erin Siegel taught us last year!  Apparently I have an incubation period.

  

  One of my favorite pictures from the cruise:  Me, Kathleen, Erin, and Diana.  Such great memories!

  
  

  

  Here's that batch of bracelets... I should get out the macrame board and make some more!

  
  
• When I discovered I would be able to go to Heather Powers' fall retreat, I got the wild hair to go take classes and shop at BeadFest Philadelphia instead!  Kathleen was once again my partner in crime and we got to reunite with several Bead Cruise friends as well as meet new friends.  I'm so excited about some of the techniques I learned there and look forward to putting some of them into practice in the new year.  (I'm still amassing some of the new tools and safety equipment that I need before getting too serious with my new torch!)

  

  I can't wait until I have all the tools to try making more of these bracelets!

 Getting Published

• I've continued trying to get my jewelry designs out there to the wider world by way of magazine publication.  I had a bracelet published in the gallery section of Stringing Magazine but even more exciting was having a necklace featured in Create Jewelry (a special issue from the publishers of Stringing).  I really can't explain how thrilling it was to open that magazine to a full page picture of one of my creations!  
  
  
  
• Over in the blogosphere, I was super honored to be asked to do a guest post for one of my favorite blogs, Earrings Everyday.  You can see my post HERE if you missed it!

 Getting Organized

• Ugh.  Studio organization remains the bane of my existence!  My bead and supply hoard is like the fabled Hydra... I cut off one head (i.e. get a few things put neatly away) and three more heads (piles) spring up to take its place.  My sweet friend Marcia has tried to help me with my mess and introduced me to some great new-to-me organizer trays, but I've got a looong way to go.  I keep placing orders because I need that one thing and then never get around to putting the rest of it in its proper place.  Making messes jewelry is just way more fun than cleaning up! 
• I can at least claim that my art beads are in pretty good shape as far as organization goes.  There are a few outliers that haven't gotten priced and stored including the new pretties my husband got me for Christmas, but I need to make spots for them to go (by making more jewelry) before I can put them properly away.  Luckily, I've been much better at using my art beads this year, instead of just hoarding them, and intend to keep going with this trend!

Growing My Business

• 2015 has been my first full year as a resident artist at Unearthed Arts in Waconia, Minnesota.  The gallery continues to be a great outlet for my jewelry as well as source of creative energy for me.  In addition to selling my creations there and working in the gallery, I've also taken over more of a role in the gallery's online presence and do most of the Facebook posts, email newsletters, and class management. 
• I had a brief stint selling some of my jewelry at a store in the Minneapolis airport.  While I had hoped for a longer term relationship there, the experience has opened me up to looking for other opportunities. 
• As of November, I do have my jewelry for sale in a second location again.  Thanks to a friend of ours, I now have a small display at the West Side Perk coffeehouse in Bloomington, Mn!
  
  
  
•  I had three jewelry shows this year... and all were super successful for me!  I participated for the third year in the Art Wander studio tour (my second year as a studio location).  I also took part in the fall festival that my husband's clinic puts on each year (with some of the proceeds going to support the local food shelves) and brought back my Holiday Open House after taking 2014 off. 
• Teaching has also been an important part of growing my business.  I had the pleasure of mixing jewelry and libraries (I will always be a librarian even if I'm not working in one regularly!) by doing a series of classes for tweens at three different branches of the Washington County Library System.  At Unearthed Arts I've done done several jewelry classes for adults including one private event. 
  
• I've been trying to be more proactive and organized with my social media presence, but I still have a LOT to learn!  Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest... it's enough to make your head swim.  I may not be anything close to perfect, but at least I'm putting myself out there!  
• My Etsy shop still needs way more love and attention (oh, and maybe listings!) but I did get my banner revamped and my shop reopened.  Baby steps?  I've been busy enough with my local shops and just dealing with life in general that my online store has taken much more of a backseat.  Since reopening, I did sell one of my most expensive pieces (one that I was actually a little sad to see go) and a set of my acorn jewelry to a customer in Finland!       

Of course my 2015 wasn't all about jewelry and beads... mostly but not all!  ;)   Travel, friends, theater, good food, great beer...  2015 was a pretty good year overall.  No, it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows... but I choose to focus on the positive. 

In addition to my beady travels, Eric and I had a couple of great trips.  We drove down to Asheville, NC just for fun (with a side trip to Huntsville to see my family) and took in all the craft beer sights that we could.  We spent a day at Biltmore and also had the chance to connect with several friends.  On the Huntsville leg of the trip, we got to spend time with my mom as well as my big sister and niece Anna.  A friend also hooked us up with free tickets to a beer festival that was happening while we were in time... talk about great timing!

Eric and I on the rooftops of Biltmore!

Anna, Doty, me, and my sweet Mama.

Our other big trip was to San Diego for the National Homebrewers Conference.  We were there in part to help promote a new brewing business venture that Eric is a part of, Beer Dust.  It's always fun checking out the breweries in a different part of the country (or world, for that matter!) and hanging out with fellow craft beer lovers.  This trip was a little different in some ways since we were there in part as vendors, but still a ton of fun.  We even got to chat beer and games with Wil Wheaton!

Smaller side trips included going to Duluth for the All Pints North beer festival and an awesome road trip to Fargo, North Dakota with friends Ty and Annette.  I also traveled solo to San Fransisco to hang out with my library friends at the American Library Association annual conference.

Ty, Annette, myself, and Eric in Fargo.

We geeked out at both MiniCon and CONvergence this year (both are SciFi/Fantasy conventions here in the Twin Cities), got our theater on during both Fringe Festival and the Twin Cities Horror Festival, and had too many fun times with friends to even count.  Here's to the year that was 2015 and to the New Year headed our way!  

Holiday Open House Details

My holiday open house is back again this year after taking a year off!  Please stop by to check out my new handmade jewelry designs.  Feel free to bring your friends if you like... the more the merrier!

Sunday, December 6th 12:00 - 5:00 pm

1966 Fountain Lane, Waconia, MN 55387

952-442-8272

Jewelry always makes a great gift for others... or yourself!  There's still time for special orders too.

We will have beverages and light snacks.  Eric will tending bar (including serving up his homebrew) to make it guy friendly.

If you are on Facebook, check out the event page for my Open House HERE to get sneak peeks at what I'll have for sale.  I'll be adding regularly over the next week!

  

2014 A Year in Review for Sj Designs

I never would have guessed when I started this year and laid out some goals for myself and my business that I would be standing where I am standing now.  So much can change so very quickly... it's enough to make your head spin if you think about it!

Before we go speeding off into another exciting year, I want to take a few moments to reflect back on the year that was 2014.  I think it's always a good idea to remember where we've been even as we are going someplace else.  I guess it gives me a little perspective on things.

Remember those goals I mentioned?  I thought I'd start by seeing how I did on those... 

• Market my Etsy shop and business Facebook page in a more focused way.
• Pretty much a fail on this one.  I did run an earring give-away associated with signing up for my email newsletter (and gave extra chances for folks who liked my Facebook page).  Right now I've got a sad three little items in my Etsy shop... so clearly I need to invest a little more time and energy in that direction in 2015.
• Get my bead stash at least somewhat more organized.
•  This one is plus minus... leaning towards minus at the moment.  I had moments of getting all my beady beauties wrangled, but then I did some shopping.  Lots and lots of shopping.  And then I got many lovely beads for Christmas.  And now my basement truly looks like a bead store exploded.  I'm trying to get things organized again so I can actually know what I have and where it is, but I suspect it's still going to be a long process ahead.

At least my art beads got a snazzy new home!

• Learn (and regularly use) at least two new techniques...some more advanced wire work is at the top of my list. 
• So this one is more 50/50.  I learned lots of fun things, mostly on the Bead Cruise, but can't say that I've regularly put those new skills to use as much as I'd like.  I have bought some of the items I need to pursue some of the techniques I learned, but still need to purchase some additional items before I can get started.  I can say that I've made pretty good use of the knotting skills I learned in Erin Siegel's class and have done a lot more with waxed Irish linen.  I still want to revisit the macrame bracelet project she taught though. 

Kashmira, Kathleen, and I hard at work on the Bead Cruise!

• Pursue getting some of my designs published.
• I did actually manage to get a couple of designs published this year!  A pair of earrings and a bracelet were featured in the Summer issue of Stringing Magazine.  I submitted photos for review for some other issues (and even had them ask me to send in a few things) but no luck getting anything else published yet.  I'm going to make a more concerted effort to submit more designs in 2015.  (I've actually been hard at work this week on some items for possible submission...fingers crossed!)  

• Use more art beads in my designs.  i.e. stop hoarding!
• I feel like I've done pretty well with using a variety of art beads both old and new.  The problem is I buy them faster than I use them!  I still fall prey to the idea that I'm saving things for something special... but that's part of why I do so many design challenges.  See the next item on my list...
• Continue to participate in a variety of design challenges...you know I'm an addict!
• Success here!  I managed to participate in over 50 design challenges including those for Art Bead Scene, Earrings Everyday, the Inspired by Reading Book Club, Heather Powers' 12 week Mojo Challenge, and my own New Earring Monday challenge.
• Have some of my jewelry for sale locally in a store or gallery.
•  Here's my biggest success... one that really went beyond my wildest dreams or expectations.  Since Unearthed Arts opened in May, I have been a resident artist there... that means that I have my jewelry for sale in the gallery and work there a few days a month.  I am so grateful, honored, and humbled to be a part of the great group of artists at Unearthed Arts.  It's been wonderful to have a support network of other artisans and a platform for getting my creations out there.  My success at the gallery allowed me to step away from day job at the library and focus on my jewelry business full time...  Mind boggling!

The Unearthed Arts gang and Chamber folks for ribbon cutting ceremony.

The year wasn't all jewelry making... Eric and I took some amazing trips together highlights including Amsterdam and Belgium, Grand Rapids for the National Homebrewer's Convention, Disneyland, and Pennsylvania to meet up with the Inspired by Reading Book Club.  My friend Kathleen and I went on the Bead Cruise (can't wait for the 2015 cruise coming up soon!) and I also took a week long trip "home" to Alabama.  What a whirlwind it's been!

My nephew Daniel, me, my mom, and my niece Anna in Birmingham.

Eric and I at Gooseberry Falls this summer.

2014 has been such an amazing year and I'm so very thankful to everyone who was a part of it.  Here's to the end of a great year and the start of another!  Have a safe and happy New Year's Eve and I'll see you next year!

Sj Designs Jewelry Exhibition at Unearthed Arts

I am so excited and proud to announce that Unearthed Arts will be hosting an exhibition of my jewelry starting November 7th.  The opening reception will be this Friday, November 7th from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at the gallery.

The talented Kris James will be making a variety of delicious nibbles that focus on three of my favorite things: bacon, cheese, and chocolate!  Wine and some mulled cider will also be served.  (Memo to self... don't write about food when you are hungry!)

Here are the full details:

Opening Reception:  Friday, November 7th from 5:00 to 8:00 pm.

The exhibition will run until December 5 during normal gallery hours Monday - Friday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Unearthed Arts

44 West Main Street

Waconia, MN 55387

952-442-4499

I hope that many of you will be able to join me for this exciting celebration.  I'm looking forward to seeing friends old and new and showing off the jewelry designs I've been working on since the Art Wander.  

If you can't make it that night, you should swing by on Saturday for D.E.A.R. Hunting and take advantage of all the great deals and fun activities around town.  

To further entice you to stop by, here are a few new designs that will be arriving in the gallery this week.

Hopes and Goals for 2014

So in my last post I did a little looking back at the year that was... now it's time to shake off the post holiday daze and start thinking about what's in store for 2014.  I don't really do resolutions as such.  I'm more of a goals sort of girl with some hopes thrown into the mix.

A wintry little creation that's perfect for the crazy arctic temps here in MN!

Here's a brief peak into what I'm planning and hoping for in 2014 for Sj Designs:

• Market my Etsy shop and business Facebook page in a more focused way.
• Get my bead stash at least somewhat more organized.
• Learn (and regularly use) at least two new techniques...some more advanced wirework is at the top of my list.  
• Use more art beads in my designs.  i.e. stop hoarding!
• Pursue getting some of my designs published.
• Continue to participate in a variety of design challenges...you know I'm an addict!
• Have some of my jewelry for sale locally in a store or gallery.

I haven't made a single thing since before Christmas, but that all changes today.  Vacation is over and it's time to get back to it and start creating again!  My sweet husband spoiled me with LOTS of beautiful art beads that I can't wait to use (remember, no hoarding!) so I plan on sharing some new creations with you soon.

My Christmas spoils.

I'd love to hear what your goals are for 2014... please leave a comment and let me know what you hope to accomplish this year!  

2013 A Year in Review for Sj Designs

When I was growing up, my mom would always tell me that time went faster the older you got.  I'm sure that I'm not the only one who heard words like this from the adults in their lives when they were young.  As a kid, this statement made absolutely no sense whatsoever.  I mean, time passes as a set measurement so how can a it be faster or slower?  As I got older (and hopefully a little wiser!) I discovered that my mom was totally correct; the older you get the faster it seems to go.

Now another year has sped by and we are starting afresh with a brand new, shiny year... 2014 here we come!  But before we get there I want to take a little moment to look back and reflect on the year that is coming to a close.

I started the year determined to make Sj Designs Jewelry a "real" business and not just the little side project/hobby that it had been for a couple of years.  While I never got to the point to really go gangbusters promoting my business this year, I've definitely put myself out there and made a ton of progress.  Here are a few highlights:

• Launched my blog, Etsy shop, and business Facebook page in February
• Had my first public sale in March 
• Tried outdoor sales for the first time at the Waconia Farmers Market (and learned a lot in the process!)
• Invited to participate in the Edge of the Big Woods Art Wander in September
• Participated in a ton of design challenges and blog hops which helped spark my creativity and stretch myself to try new things
• Got involved with Andrew Thornton's Inspired by Reading Book Club and have enjoyed combining my two worlds:  books and jewelry!
• Planned and offered two sets of jewelry making classes for teens at the library system where I work.
• Made my first wholesale order to a Twin Cities shop

In addition to all my jewelry adventures, 2013 has been a year rich in many other ways.  Eric and I did quite a bit of travel going to Kansas City, Oregon, and Tennessee for weddings; Illinois and Alabama to see family and friends; and Duluth for a beer festival.  Eric spent the first half of the year studying hard for his Pediatric Boards which he took (and passed!) in June.  In late summer we were lucky to have visits from our friends Michael and Amy as well as my niece Anna. (While it's great fun to travel we also enjoy showing visitors around our home turf...come visit us!)

Visiting with my family on my niece's birthday.

We have shared many fun adventures, great food, and delicious drink with friends and family this year.  We've made new friends and had the opportunity to reconnect with some of our oldest and dearest as well.

All in all 2013 has been a great year!  I feel so very lucky and blessed.  I'm thankful to all of our friends and family for the support and fellowship that they have shared with me in this year of change and growth.  I'm especially grateful to Eric for all the encouragement, love, and assistance I get from my sweet husband... I couldn't do what I do without him!     

Eric and I at Minnehaha Falls

I'm very excited for what's on the horizon for 2014 and I can't wait to share with you!  Until then, have a wonderful New Year!

AJE Earring Challenge - Final Reveal

It's time for more earrings!  We're at the end of this year long challenge from Art Jewelry Elements to make one pair of earrings a week that feature artisan components.  I came to the challenge a little later in the year but have immensely enjoyed participating in this ongoing creative challenge.  I think that it has helped me to stretch my creativity and to dig into my hoard of art beads that I've been obsessively "saving."

Of course another side effect has been me buying lots more art beads from talented individuals that I have discovered through the various jewelry related blogs and Facebook groups that I interact with... so I'm guessing that the net effect on my bead stash has probably left me with more beads and charms than I started with.  I suppose that worse things have happened!

This time of year is understandably busy for folks and I'm no exception.  Holiday shopping, wrapping and shipping presents, parties, and connecting with friends have all taken precedence over jewelry making the last few weeks.  This leaves me one short for this last earring reveal but, all things considered, I'm pretty proud of myself for keeping up otherwise.

So I'll leave you with one last pair of earrings that continues my run of holiday themed resin charms from the last reveal.  I had made a pair of subtle spider earrings earlier in the fall (you can seem them in my Etsy shop HERE) and then shared them in the Design Gallery over at Lima Beads (a great online beading supply store with a fabulous community of beaders). From that I got an Etsy conversation that turned into my very first custom order for these earrings!

Christmas Tree Earrings

The customer who bought them from me was just thrilled with them... so much so that she is tempted to keep them for herself instead of giving them to her friend as originally planned.  I call that high praise!

This will be my last post until after the holidays.  I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!  See you all in 2014!

AJE Earring Challenge - Weeks 47 & 48

I can't believe that this year (and the Art Jewelry Elements Earring Challenge) is almost over!  It's time for another earring reveal and another two pairs of earrings made with artisan made components.

I was going to save these two holiday/seasonal themed pairs until the next reveal (and closer to Christmas) but I've been too busy prepping for my Holiday Open House that's going on this afternoon to get two more pairs done.

I've been playing with resin and holiday scrapbook papers again.  I've really been having a blast (and perhaps making up for lost time) ever since I got the correct sized small circle paper punch!

First up is a little set of snowflakes in silver plated bezels from Nunn Design.  I added little mint alabaster Swarovski crystals dangling on sterling silver headpins and used sterling ear wires accented with more crystal for some winter sparkle.

Week 47: Snowflake Sparkle

My second pair just might be one of my favorite things I've made this season.  I love the combination of the swirling peppermint print paper (it's got a little bit of glitter in there too from the paper) with the swirled red and white lampwork beads from the Spacer Bead Shop.

Week 48: Peppermint Swirls

Well, I'm off to finish getting set up for my sale today.  Maybe these little lovelies will sell...if not I'll get them up in my Etsy shop ASAP!

Buzzing with Happy Bee Jewelry News

This summer when I was selling my jewelry at the Waconia Farmers Market I had the pleasure of meeting Kelley Flanders as he was selling honey next to me.  In chatting with him I learned that he and his wife Debbie were opening a shop in the Linden Hills neighborhood of Minneapolis and that they might be interested in selling some of my bee and honeycomb themed jewelry when they opened.

Things got a little crazy for me (that seems to be a theme in my life lately!) and I was delayed in getting things made for them, but now that fall has set in I've finally been able to follow through and get some new bee jewelry made and take it to the shop.

Look at all that honey!  And that's just one part of the store.

Here are a few of the exclusive designs from me that you will be able to find over at Minnesota Honey Company:

Twin Cities peeps should definitely take some time to buzz on over and check out their fun little shop!  I was just there today and there is a TON of stuff that would make great gifts this holiday season.

Minnesota Honey Company
4956 Xerxes Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55410
612-920-3510

Sj Designs Holiday Open House

In just one week I'll be hosting my second annual Holiday Open House for Sj Designs Jewelry!  I can't believe how fast this year has flown by or how much my business has grown and evolved.  It's thanks in part to many of you that I am where I am and I appreciate the support and encouragement!

If you are interested in shopping for some unique jewelry (for holiday gifts or yourself!) please consider stopping by...it should be a good time and I have lots of great items at a variety of price points.

The sale will be at our home (on the basement/bar level) from 1-6 pm next Sunday, December 8.  We will have beverages (including Eric's homebrew to make it guy friendly) and some snacks too.

If you want to come but don't know our address, please shoot me an email at sjdesignsjewelry[at]gmail[dot]com or leave me a comment here with a way to message you back privately.

Hope to see you then... but for now, it's back to making jewelry for me!

D.E.A.R. Shopping Event

Just a quick post to let folks I'll be selling my jewelry this coming Saturday in Waconia as part of the annual D.E.A.R Hunting event.  Don't know what that means?  D.E.A.R. stands for "Divas Enjoy Awesome Retail" and is an event sponsored each year by the Waconia Chamber of Commerce to coincide with the opening of dear hunting season.

Myself and several other vendors will be at DMA Dentistry this Saturday, November 9th from 9 am until Noon.  The address is 133 West 1st Street, Waconia and we'll be in the lower level of the building.  As an added bonus, there will be coffee, tea, and light refreshments to keep you fueled for your shopping day.

I've got some great fall pieces to wear now and tons of items that would make wonderful holiday gifts.  It's a perfect time to start taking care of your holiday shopping!

AJE Earring Challenge - Weeks 41 & 42

Wow, this year keeps on flying by!  It's time for the Art Jewelry Elements Earring Challenge once again.

It's the end of October and fall is officially in full swing.  To celebrate my favorite season, I thought I'd share a couple of pairs with a fall theme.

For the longest time I kept trying to cut a perfect one inch circle to put in my smaller bezels.  Why?  I have no idea...cutting circles is super hard!  I finally took the time to find the correct sized punch for those little buggers and now am having some fun with the TierrCast bezels that have been in my stash for quite some time.

Week 41

Week 42

For both of these pairs I cut some fun fall scrap booking paper with my new punch and then poured in UV resin over the top (after sealing everything, of course).  The orange leafy pair sold at the Art Wander, but I've added the pumpkin pair to my Etsy shop.  You can see the listing HERE.  

AJE Earring Challenge - Weeks 39 & 40

I've been pretty quiet since the Art Wander wrapped up since my husband and I have been off on a road trip to the South.  But I'm back now and the rest of the month should bring more posts from me as I attempt to get three design challenges completed.  (Hopefully the supplied I need for a couple of them have arrived while I was gone!)

But for now, you know what time it is, don't you?  Time for earrings, earrings, earrings! It's once again time for the Art Jewelry Elements Earring Challenge reveal.  The goal is to make one pair of earrings each week that features an artisan made component.

Once again this week I'm showing off two pairs with components designed/created by me, Sj Designs.  (I promise I'll be back to highlighting work from other artists soon!)

My first pair is all about copper and turquoise.  I etched a pair of copper blanks from Vintaj and worked turquoise paint into the grooves.  I did a little doming action, sealed them, and added these great chandelier cut Czech glass beads to finish things off.

Week 39

My second pair is a variation on a pair a made a while back in Week 16.  This time I went for a bolder color scheme with the turquoise and red.  I started with Vintaj brass circle blanks that I embossed and painted (and added some extra holes to!).  You can't tell it, but there is a faint shimmer to these where I mixed some metallic patina in with the protective glaze.  The red Swarovski crystals and blue Czech glass dangles give the design some movement and pizazz.

Week 40

I'll be posting more of my jewelry exploits soon, but for now enjoy the earrings that everyone else made this week!

Art Wander Wrap Up

Happy Monday, everyone!  I just wanted to take a quick moment to capture my thoughts on this year's Art Wander and let you all know how it went.

First off, I just want to say again how lucky and blessed I feel to be able to take part in this fabulous event.  It is truly amazing to see how many talented and inspirational individuals we have tucked away in Carver County!

This year the artists had the opportunity to go on a little pre-Wander tour so that we had a chance to see what our fellow artists were up to.  (During the actual Wander we are all bound to our own studio locations and don't get to have the fun of seeing everyone else, so this was great!)  A lot of the artists as well as the art students from Waconia High School all met up last Thursday night and proceeded to tour nine of the eighteen studios (by school bus, no less!).  It was so much fun to hang out with everyone and get a little sneak peek into the homes and studios of some of the other artists.  I know I'm now super inspired and motivated to add to our art collection and fill in some empty spots in our house!

I kept making and pricing new jewelry until Friday night when it was finally time to admit that what I had was what I had and it would all be what it would be.  Luckily, what it would be was a fabulous couple of days hanging out with the multi-talented Cathy Jo Menssen, meeting new people, seeing old friends, and talking about life and art.

Here are a couple of photos from the beginning of day one... apologies for the iffy photography, but you can at least get the idea!

A very blurry pic of me behind my main display.

Some of Cathy Jo's gorgeous work!

I love all her little vases and tiny paintings.

Aren't her bird houses adorable?

I have to admit that I was pretty darned tired at the end of the two days, but it was such a fabulous experience and a great opportunity for me as an artist and jewelry designer who is really just starting out!  

I have to give huge thanks to my husband for being so supportive, patient, and understanding of my jewelry making madness and for helping me out in any way he can.  I couldn't do it without his help!  I also want to thank Cathy Jo Menssen for being such a wonderful host and just a lovely person to spend two days with.  She and her husband Dave made it so comfortable and easy to come in and show my work in their beautiful, art-filled home.  To find out more about Cathy Jo and her work, click HERE.  You can also find more of her work locally at the Curly Willow in downtown Waconia.

It's really hard for me to put into words, but the Edge of the Big Woods Art Wander really is a very unique chance to see a large number of artists working in a wide variety of media in a fairly short time.  As an artist, it was a lot of fun talking to people about what I do (and why I do it!), hearing about what they had seen and enjoyed on their wanders, and just being excited and inspired by art.  I hope that the Art Wander will continue to grow and evolve and that I have the opportunity to be involved next year.

Thanks again to everyone who came out to see us at Studio E!  Lots of pretties went to new homes... some after minor adjustments to make them perfect for their new owners.  It's always special and gratifying when someone finds just the perfect piece for themselves or for a gift.  As always, I hope the people who bought my pieces enjoy wearing them as much as I enjoyed making them!  

AJE Earring Challenge - Weeks 37 & 38

Wow, the last two weeks have just flown by!  This whole year has gone fast, but with all my last minute preparations for the Edge of the Big Woods Art Wander this weekend, it's gone especially fast.  Luckily, those preparatios have included lots and lots of jewelry making... including some earrings.

It's time once again for the Art Jewelry Elements Earring Challenge reveal.  So, here are a couple of pairs I've whipped up.  If you are reading this the day I post it, these might still be for sale at the Art Wander... local folks, you can visit me at Studio E in Waconia, 1412 Beachcomber Blvd.

For my first pair of this week's reveal I used the Vintaj "India Archway" embossing folder with the Georgian Drop altered blanks.  I painted them using their patinas with a bit of bronze metallic shimmer mixed into the glaze.  You really can't see the shimmer in the photos I took, but I promise it's there!  I added in a little link with some shimmery Czech glass in a salmon pink to complete the look.  I made a coordinating necklace that these would go perfectly with!

Week 37: Moroccan Sunset 

Here's that necklace!

My second pair also features Vintaj blanks that I have embossed and painted.  This time I used copper and also used my dapping block to give them a nice domed shape.  I'm a sucker for all things acorn, and this is the time of year for it!  I added some cool green Czech glass that I wire wrapped.

Week 38: Green Oak

That's it for me for this installment.  Please check out what all the other participants have made for this reveal.

September Art Bead Scene Challenge

I skipped last month's challenge over at the Art Bead Scene Blog but I'm back for September!  Fall is my absolute favorite time of year (which may be surprising since I know that fall's arrival means we are one step closer to the long, cold winter).  I've always loved that crispness to the air, the leaves changing color, pumpkin and apple picking...  Fall is a magical and fleeting season and I couldn't resist the gorgeous palette of Alphonse Mucha's "Autumn" and the chance to celebrate the new season.  If you'd like more background on this month's artist and his artwork, click HERE.

Alphonse Mucha, Oil on Panel

Autumn from  "The Seasons (series)", 1896

For once, I didn't go digging through my art bead stash to see what I had that might work.  I knew that I had a Vintaj "Treasured Maple" altered blank in my stash (a thank you from my very first whole sale order) that I could turn into the perfect focal for this challenge.  While they call it a maple, I think it really looks more like a grape leaf.  I ran it through my BigKick with an embossing folder, added some color with the Vintaj Patinas, and voila! 

Freshly painted!

I added in an assortment of beads that pulled from different parts of the color palette including carnelian, Czech glass, and even a Swarovski crystal.  I also mixed in a couple of lovely little lampwork spacers from Beadygirl Beads along with a couple of small copper beads.

I got lots of practice doing wrapped loops on this necklace and I'm certainly feeling way more confident in my wire wrapping skills than I did even six months ago.  I thought the darker color of the Vintaj natural brass chain lent itself well to the darker browns in the artwork.

I hope my necklace captures the feeling and colors of Mucha's painting and the season that we are heading into.  I hope you all have some fun and exciting plans to celebrate the coming of fall!