Photography giveaway

Friedasophie did a nice interview with my daughter, Ema, on Friday and is running a giveaway for one her photos until May 10 (your choice of any 8x10 from her shop). These are a few of my favorites. 

There's been a spill

Last year I read a quote by Malcolm Gladwell in a blog post by Steven Ford. "The game is what you catch, not what you spill."  I found it helpful to repeat this to myself while working through my project design for Cynthia Tinapple's upcoming book.  How often have I slowed my progress because I've been afraid to spill?

So much good, more than just the project design, came from my new debris pile and many mistakes over the past 3 months. These earrings and others will be showing up in the coming weeks,  I think, as new ideas coalesce.

On the fly

I've spent a good bit of time in waiting rooms at doctor's offices lately with my daughter who is having some GI issues. Claire Maunsell  told me about how she fits in work by taking clay to her kid's basketball practices. (uncured clay, Claire?)  I decided to settle for beads in a biscuit tin on my lap. 

MIA

Action is the key word in Missing in Action. I've not actually been missing; I was here, just very busy on several different fronts, among them being refining my carved rings. I want better, more comfortable shanks (the part that actually goes around your finger) because I think WEARERS want more comfortable shanks.

The vermillion one here, along with several others, a bracelet and necklaces are on their way to Corey and Co. in Portland. My jewelry and Barbara's work! Its such a great match, in my opinion.

(This is the grey version of their think spring attitude.)

Make a statement

I received one of the highest compliments ever when I wore this necklace to ACC last weekend. Kathleen Dustin said 'strong, strong design...why aren't you selling here?" My mind is swimming.

Kathleen is wonderful to talk to, generous with her knowledge and her enthusiasm for polymer is infectious.

I was delighted to write a guest post over at Love My Art Jewelry thats up today. I chose a timely topic for me - writing an artist's statement. Stop by when when you get the chance!

Making Connections

I feel like I spend a lot of time online these days so it really redeems the whole virtual experience to meet, in person, people I have only ever known via email.

(Organic Merino Wool Knit Wrap in Charcoal Grey)

I had the great pleasure of meeting one of my Artisans Gallery Team team mates , Elena Rosenberg (TickledPinkKnits), last Friday at the American Craft Council Show in Baltimore, MD. Immediately I noticed a strong correlation between her personality and her work. She is sophisticated, intelligent, and interesting and at the same time so friendly and easy to talk to. Her booth was alive with color and shape and had the feel of a small, charming shop.

(That's Elena in the back corner of the booth, taking care of a customer.)

Its great to get to touch items but thats especially true with textiles, isn't it? And Elena's work feels as wonderful as it looks. I learned about the drape bamboo, about soft yet resilient merino wool and that Elena does much of her work from the comfort of an armchair. (Doesn't that sounds wonderful? I have to admit to being a little jealous about that.)

Best wishes for continued success Elena! Hopefully we'll get the chance to see each other again before ACC 2013.

A bit about the next things

One project flows into the next...so I shouldn't be sitting here playing with shavings. It looks like I should be cleaning.

Two new shops will soon be carrying my work. Watch for Jibby and Juna in Atlanta and Austin this spring.

And...drum roll... I will be included in a book about polymer clay coming out next year! This will take up a lot of my time and attention over the next couple of months and will probably mean that the Etsy shop, when re-opened, will be limited (because unfortunately there are still only 24 hours in a day).