New Class Taken - New Opportunities!

I love learning.  Of late, I love learning about all things metal, although I still LOVE painting and journaling (when I have time).  So, I'm currently taking a class with Deryn Mentock called "Boho Bliss."  It's one of her two classes that I've really wanted to take since I saw the class examples (the other is "Balance Bronze Bangles," hint, hint, Deryn - offer it online!) 

I am now proud to show my latest creations - straight from my studio!  In fact, I paddled over there this morning in my bathrobe to redo one little aspect (it shall remain known only to me, gentle reader) before I posted here and on the class flickr group.  I always hope, while I am in the midst of a cockamaymie idea like that, that none of my students, current or past, have a video camera going.  LOL!!!  But, sometimes, a girl's gotta create!


So here are my earrings: 


Earrings #2 - made with baby blue faceted amazonite & dark blue apatite and bronze & copper wire.

Earrings #1 were made with sterling silver wire, and watermelon tourmaline chunks - decided to start with the expensive wire and just see what happens. 

I like both pair - I made the bronze pair to wear when I'm teaching at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp - I think they'll look pretty cool with my camp uniform! 

Have a great day!

July 4th Up North

Northern Michigan loves a good reason to celebrate.  July 4th is one of the best reasons of all.  Yes, we have a wonderful parade - yes, I have 2 bands that march in it - yes, I actually go through the parade twice!!  (and it's not a short parade!)

We have carnival rides, fireworks, caramel corn wagons, and craft shows.  This year, my work colleague and I decided to have a craft show of our own, in living room and dining room of my "craft house."  (That's the house that has my studio in the basement - yes, I'm a lucky gal!)  We held it on July 2 & 3, and we had a lot of visitors, even though we did little to advertise it. 

My colleague does stained glass work and tatting.  I showed mixed media work and jewelry.  We both declared it a success when we finished on the third!  Then.... off to band practice we both went.  It was funny, as we packed up my colleague's car, we said, "Hey, fun show - see you in a couple of hours!"  It's so fun to work with someone who has common interests outside of work - sometimes we find ourselves chattering on and on about our "other" world, while we're at work!

Here's some pics from our crafty open house - hope your July 4th celebrations were wonderfully fun.