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!

Meet the Maker

So I thought it appropriate since I am Friday's featured artist for Smithsonian Craft2Wear to post a short bio. and the (ever so infrequent) portrait shot.

I was born in 1968 in Baltimore, MD but grew up in a tiny Pennsylvania town, the eldest child of a high school art teacher and the most encouraging mother who thought I could do anything I set my mind to. (I think she secretly hoped I'd illustrate children's books and hey, there's still time.)

I studied communication design and then craft (so thats ceramics, fiber, metal...) at Kutztown University. Next I started toward working toward an art education certification, got married...and found out I was pregnant.

After 15 years dedicated to raising kids (3) and home schooling, I found myself with a bit more free time and stumbled upon polymer clay.  Here I had found a material that was approachable, did not require a huge outlay in new tools, could safely be worked on with kids in tow and, importantly, with which I could take everything I had studied (see above) and apply it in someway.  It provided me a very easy re-entry into what I liked to make, wearable sculpture.

Although I continue to find the material compelling, I'm also slowly growing my studio practice to include more metalwork, recycled paper and other recycled materials.

If you're interested in keeping up to date with my shows and new work you are welcome to sign up for my emails at my main website. I only send about 1 or maybe 2 emails per month because I'm sure your life is busy enough and of course I never, ever share your information.

Hope to see you at Craft2Wear Oct. 3-5!

Craft2Wear

I'm full on preparing for Smithsonian Craft2Wear at the National Building Museum in Washington D.C. This is an invitational, wearable-only show and I'm thrilled to be included for the first time this year.

You can find me in my spacious 15x10 booth, #37. That's A LOT of space for jewelry (standard booths are 10x10 or smaller in some cases) so my husband and I took over the dining room yesterday to stage a mock set up to plan how we can make the most of it. I'm especially considering how I can give one full wall to my one-of-a-kind recycled pieces. Here are some in infancy form...

Craft2Wear is a more intimate sized show than say, ACC. You don't feel rushed and you have time to linger and really see what's in each booth...with plenty of the day left for a meal in the city and maybe some other sightseeing.

Hope you can make it!

TGIF

In all honesty, I have had a rough week, replete with hurdles and failings, problems to be solved, mistakes to be amended. The comfort lies in knowing I am not the only person who has times that they feel like this. Bring the weekend!

New Recycled Earrings

While working on my next batch of one-of-a-kind recycled, Redeemed earrings for Smithsonian Craft2Wear coming up in October, I chose a small selection to release right now.

They are live in my shop and I've moved them right to the top of the page so that they are easy to find.