Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Just Mom...

Where else can I go to work in my pajamas, while wearing 5 inch stilettos, if the mood strikes?   Where can I celebrate victory with a glass of wine at 11 a.m. while basking in the new found spring warmth on my deck, or where daydreaming is a mandatory part of the job description?  Where calling in sick doesn't require a phone call at all!  Where I don't have 100+ emails waiting for me by 7 a.m...coincidentally all deemed "urgent."   Where I don't have to be politically correct with office policies.  Where I can accompany my children on a field trip, or take a spur of the moment nature walk.  Don't get me wrong, some days I crave adult/business conversation, and the need to "manage" something, but then I quickly realize what that really entails.

Long 10+ hour days, working a thankless job, for a thankless corporation, where I was simply another hamster on it's wheel...going nowhere, and completing thoughtless mechanics. 

No thank you!!  It's taken 14 months, but I've finally found myself, which is quite worrisome considering I never knew I was ever lost.  Life has taken on a new meaning.  There are no longer only shades of gray but every color on the spectrum.  Every day is a gift to express a new feeling, a new expression, or simply a new thought.  I get to be me...no title, no obligations...just Mom, and that is more of a benefit package than I ever had in the past!  They can keep their 401K's, flex spending and employee stock purchase plans...just hand over the clay!

Monday, March 28, 2011

Been a Busy Weekend

Spent most of the weekend in the studio and wanted to share the results...please excuse the sub-par photography, it's freezing here and I was too lazy to set up the light box (new pictures will be added soon).

I've had so much fun creating these painstakingly time consuming pendants....although now my eyesight is shot!







Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Ode to Maggie Maggio

I happened upon a "new to me" technique last week.  A watercolor mosaic technique that Maggie Maggio devised in the 90's. 

While I'm a novice, the technique intrigues me, so I'll share my new found obsession....I see MANY hanks of these beads in my future.





You can view Maggie's gallery HERE

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Keeping Up With The Times

We recently updated our look for upcoming arts & crafts shows...new business cards and signage was a must!



Recent Works

Just a sampling of what's come off the work bench recently.










































Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Table For Six, Please...

I have to share my husband's new found hobby.  Upcycled vintage (late 1800's - early 1900's) silver plated flatware...some polished to a high shine, while others tell a story with a well loved patina.

Sometimes not only do we share studio space, we also share ideas...
Silver plated hollow knife handle upcycled to a whimsical brooch.  Polymer clay flowers, crystals, feathers and tulle complete the bouquet.

Silver spoons given a second chance as a bracelet.  Clay flowered center.

Vintage upcycled silver plated spoon bookmark.  Mark your place in style!  Polymer clay center.


They'll hear you coming in this vintage silver plated hollow handle knife bell.  It really does chime with a single fork tine.  Accented with a black crystal.



Silver plated flatware spoon bracelet. Accented with wish charm and white quartz stones.

Beautiful early 1900's upcycled silver plated spoons given new life as a bracelet.  Accented with AB stone  silver plated bead caps.


Vintage 1960's reclaimed spoon ring, accented with shades of blue.

This is for all the wine lovers.  Antique silver plated spoon handles accented with an "old world" style winery plaque.  Completed with silver wineglass charm.


Sterling silver upcycled teaspoon brought back to life in this wrapped ring.


Lots more to come soon!