Filling time

Where is the time even going? Where? Its like days get sucked into the pandemic abyss. I get up, I do things, I go to bed again. We are being fed, I am filling orders but the days events seem blurred against the backdrop of covid 19 and political and racial unrest. 

I just sent out a quick email to my email folks , all uplifting and rather positive and then I click over here and I'm already beginning to feel a little...unsettled. 

How are you? Are you navigating? 

I take refuge in making my one of kind recycled earrings because I get a little lost, a little forgetful of all else that is happening so that's where I'll be today. If you'd like to see these new pieces completed AND maybe check out my big summer studio sale stop by the shop August 22-24.

I almost can't believe the series of events that have taken place since I last wrote here. If I am honest I guess I knew (one only had to read the news from Italy) we were headed to closures and social distancing and and and... Maybe I was just still in denial as having never experienced anything like a pandemic before.

Spring shows have been cancelled, some of my galleries have closed and I waffled about what to do in terms of my shop. Long story short, I decided to go ahead and put all the new spring work I have online. My shop will see a major update of new jewelry on Wednesday, March 18.

I'm happy to gift wrap and ship packages to loved ones for those of you celebrating special events from "afar" this year. Handwritten notes, ribbon, the whole deal!

But if what you really need is to talk, please feel free to email me. I'm a pretty good listener. We're going to get through this apart...but together in spirit.

Solo gallery show at The Smithery

I was so pleased to be invited to show my work with The Smithery in Columbus, Ohio last year and now the opening for my solo show is almost here.

I've chosen to show my recycled work because its something I'm really focusing on right now and lets face it, the topic of how we use and consume is more relevant than ever.

What I've come to believe is that if we see plastic as semi precious, we challenge the destructive concept of single use (and disposable). Certainly polymer clay art jewelry can be a vehicle to help us change our thinking and thereby our actions. We wouldn't make a single use bag out of gold - why do it with plastic? 

If you're in the Columbus area, I would love to see you at the opening March 5 6-8pm.

New Jewelry for ACC Baltimore 2020

With the American Craft Council show in Baltimore being a local show I can work up to the last minute getting jewelry finished... and I'm doing just that.

The show runs Feb. 21-23 and I still have some half price tickets - if you're interested send me an email and I can send you a link to print your own. And Please stop by and see me in booth #2508!

Studio storage

I've been desperately needing to address some organization issues that were holding back my efficiency and comfort in my studio.  I haven't spent too much money on my studio, preferring to solve my needs creatively, meaning...I used what I already had. The amount of time I'm now spending in this room made me realize that its time to make it all work better.

I purchased some antique wooden boxes because I already was using some for storage, they are modular in that they stack, they aren't that expensive (for me, in rural Pennsylvania anyway) and no matter which ones I buy  they will give me a visually cohesive look. I have some modern/new/plastic storage but I know when they start to fall apart (and they will) I won't be able to replace them and will have to be concerned with how to recycle them.  (I have IKEA boxes that I really love but what happens when one cracks? Will IKEA still make those boxes?)

Now, I'm not going to completely clean up because according to Austin Kleon it will mess with my mojo.

I was gifted these hollow boxes. They make cool shelf like space. 

Jewelry thats in the shop

Happy New Year!

As happens with life, a family crisis interjected itself amid a whirlwind of shows and orders and holiday preparations at the end of 2019.

Dec. 4 my  husband suffered a severe acetabular fracture - his pelvis and the socket of his hip joint being broken in four places.  I cancelled my December show and our our life shifted gear to focus on his care for the 18 week recovery. Yeah. Five months.

My show schedule will stay as it is (ACC Baltimore coming up next month) and what is in my shop is all ready made but limited meaning, what is there is all there will be for another month.  While my husband is doing really well but his limited mobility means I am running the show around here and there are only so many hours in a day.

Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show

The Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft show was one of the best shows I have had thus far - starting with being able to unload my van right at my booth. Making good use of their walkie talkies, the committee coordinates so that standard size vehicles drive right into the isles.

 My husband created sets of walls that are connected according to how they go up -
he much more organized than me. 

New Redeemed earring display in action complete with new mirror and blurry selfie. 

In retrospect, I should have rented a black curtain for the back instead. Live and learn. 

We stayed just two blocks from the Convention Center and I had help the entire weekend which kept potential stress at bay. As always, making friends with neighbors at the show was awesome and I learned to much from talking to other veterans to the craft show scene. I know there is going to be some jealously (because I myself have been the one who is jealous) but for the most part, there is encouragement and camaraderie.

And thank you so very much - I am humbled and grateful - to every customer ! You made my weekend! I  am buoyed by your interest in and support of my work!

Hope to see you next year Philly!