Sunday, October 18, 2009

My New Ring!


I told you yesterday that I had more to say about my friend, Melinda Alexander. She’s an amazing metal and enamel artist and teacher whose work is just so cool. When we did the Bowers show last month, she had this ring in her display that I fell in love with, but you know how that goes. The real test is whether you keep thinking about it, which I did. I’ve always been drawn to stars and I loved the blue topaz, set upside down, that creates this sharp little burst of color.



Is it not gorgeous?!?! I wish my photography skills were better so you can see how truly awesome this ring is.


I was telling Melinda yesterday that I’m not a ring person but I had money The Mom had given me last fall (crazy money, the best kind!) and decided to treat myself!

If you want to see more of Melinda’s work, you can find her here on Etsy or, if you’re in the OC/LA area, you can sign up for the Irvine Fine Arts newsletter to find out about her jewelry classes. I can only imagine what a great teacher she is because she’s so much fun and she’s so talented. I always said one day I’d be able to afford a piece of her work and look, I’ve got this great ring. The next message I’d like to throw out to the Universe is that I want to be able to take one of her classes~of course it’s not just the class fee, but the tools and materials as well. So, Universe, start workin’ for me!

Posted by at 1 comment:
Labels: , , ,

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Library Fundraiser


Today I participated in a first-ever library fundraiser featuring local jewelry artists in Foothill Ranch, CA. It was so much fun, we decided to do it again in May, just before Mother’s Day. Mark your calendars!

We were all gathered in a good sized multi-purpose room across from the entrance to the library itself. As usually happens the first time you do something like this, there wasn’t a lot of foot traffic but we all brainstormed during the day to make our next show even better. One ginormous challenge is that the city doesn’t allow signage of any kind… Huh?? But we shall overcome! Even though it was a little slow, I think each of us sold some things today, so that’s a whole lot better than some shows I’ve been a part of. And I knew almost all the artists, so it was like old home week!

Just a couple of cell phone pix:



Here’s Bambi, a sweet doggie that everyone fell in love with. He (yes, he) was so good natured and let mom shop without a fuss.



In case you’re wondering what the back of my display looks like, here ya go. I bought a big wooden box at a yard sale years ago that I drape with velour and put jewelry busts on top and in front of. That leaves the back open for me to organize my calculator, sales slips and money pouch. You can also see the backs of my earring displays, which are made with artist canvas boards. In the background, you can see the huge bouquets of origami birds made by my friend, Melinda Alexander, who I'll rhapsodize over in my next blog.


That was my last scheduled show of the season. If you know of any good little inside shows that are still looking for jewelry vendors in the OC in November or December, definitely drop me a line.
Posted by at 1 comment:

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Bear Chick in a Treasury!


Treasury’s are collections of Etsy items “curated” by Etsy folk. When you log onto the Etsy website, treasuries are what you see on the front page. People compose them according to themes, colors, item types, whatever floats their boat.



Well, today, Ceejay60 included me in a very colorful treasury she put together. I was at work when I got word and did a quick cut and paste but couldn’t get the whole collection, unfortunately. But there’s my wildly colorful Days of Wine and Roses earrings in the upper right corner. It’s always nice to be part of a collection. I’ve never done one myself, but someday, I’ll learn to “curate” my own collections.


Check out Ceejay60’s shop. She’s got some really awesome photography and groovy macramé jewelry.


Thanks Ceejay60!

Posted by at No comments:

Sunday, October 4, 2009

The New Target in My Neighborhood


Ok, I usually don’t get excited about new Target stores opening. A Target store is a Target store, right? There’s just a couple of different floor plans but basically, it’s Target.

But I’ve never seen one like the one opening across from Brea Mall, on Birch St, before. I mean, really, this is the Robinson May of Targets. Do you know any other Targets with underground parking?



I wish I could have gotten a picture at night, so you could see the escalators. Escalators? At Target? And get this~after I took the picture, I drove by the front of the store. It doesn’t open till next Sunday, October 11 but there are little Target people getting it ready for the grand unveiling. They were pushing the red plastic carts into the lobby and I would swear, the carts have their own escalator! I saw a cart magically ascending skyward, at any rate. Makes sense, since the merchandise seems to be on the second floor. Dang, wish I could have gotten a picture of that…


Anyway, I created a sterling and crystal bracelet this week. Now I need to brush up on my picture taking skills because shiny and sparkly are hard to photograph.


The plan for this week is to do a lot of cleaning and organizing. My bathroom/studio is filled with ephemera and other mixed media stuff I’ve outgrown and it‘s putting a damper on my creativity. I recently read an article that said, when you’re cleaning, ask yourself if items you’re sorting are something the person you are now would use. I found that very interesting. We all go through phases and end up with a bunch of stuff just taking up space. Out with all this stuff that’s so 15 minutes ago!

Posted by at 4 comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)