tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57570543037621474902024-03-19T03:26:44.999-04:00Savoir Faire CreationsSuehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00613186941325416801noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757054303762147490.post-83438862891403925082011-04-23T18:51:00.000-04:002011-04-23T18:51:07.765-04:00Ding Dong, The Cast Is Gone!Yay, Hooray, and Hallelujah! The cast is finally gone, and I am back to work! I am still wearing a splint for a week or two as my wrist is very weak, but it gets a bit better every day, and at least I have the use of my hand again. =0)<br />
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I've been making up for lost time by chainmailling like a madwoman. Here are three new pieces I've made since the cast was removed on the 15th:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzsj1rgZzJYHBIdLvv_3C19XD0MpTMMwQYZlI-T_98lkYSHUTmvFmtXn3kT4vYyEffPPIp8qKWb_zJfC75SYNGtRC6HOisU3I-Jyznl9ODseVpTs0m4aliFN3trLnBPYcoOqyIeyZz2eU/s1600/takethehelm6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzsj1rgZzJYHBIdLvv_3C19XD0MpTMMwQYZlI-T_98lkYSHUTmvFmtXn3kT4vYyEffPPIp8qKWb_zJfC75SYNGtRC6HOisU3I-Jyznl9ODseVpTs0m4aliFN3trLnBPYcoOqyIeyZz2eU/s320/takethehelm6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpHC5x6huRqQYzk7ikb9vciOU1ZsgE0_CbuDPWnKE04oeCDkJjxeo60oSnRZwdGZz_2dJgflOQcFPKhLL-oTifIflsFTmCe7eRiSRiU0mNHDsMZw1rmeUlEF6R0R1vpY1eHoGdvAv0Ptk/s1600/newleaf1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpHC5x6huRqQYzk7ikb9vciOU1ZsgE0_CbuDPWnKE04oeCDkJjxeo60oSnRZwdGZz_2dJgflOQcFPKhLL-oTifIflsFTmCe7eRiSRiU0mNHDsMZw1rmeUlEF6R0R1vpY1eHoGdvAv0Ptk/s320/newleaf1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBAq3jTtXVU6o6L0tpfuARVBaNet-AqXhTnOMEJ0s0ilIYS2uoj6rjqlmnXpbKK5kXq0ZiVNB_h4k6MD2ZWhyPliUJpzLo_L3qaB5nEauSsRQB0ejhSvRVcaXzB9NXCCZ06CnqUpA9Ao/s1600/turqhp4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEBAq3jTtXVU6o6L0tpfuARVBaNet-AqXhTnOMEJ0s0ilIYS2uoj6rjqlmnXpbKK5kXq0ZiVNB_h4k6MD2ZWhyPliUJpzLo_L3qaB5nEauSsRQB0ejhSvRVcaXzB9NXCCZ06CnqUpA9Ao/s320/turqhp4.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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By the way, how do you like that slick new background? Can you guess what it is? It's the glass patio table on our deck! After all of the money and time and effort I put into arranging backgrounds for my product shots, it turns out I had the perfect thing in my back yard the whole time! Go figure...<br />
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Now that I am getting back to normal, I am busy, busy, busy cleaning up my studio, and getting ready to teach classes there. Speaking of classes, here's some exciting news: I have just arranged to teach Chain making at Massasoit in the fall! There will be three consecutive evening classes on the Brockton campus beginning in October. Please look for it in the Massasoit catalog that will be coming out soon. I'd love to see you there!Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00613186941325416801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757054303762147490.post-33829286722696991642011-03-21T10:18:00.000-04:002011-03-21T10:18:50.408-04:00Cast Signing, Anyone?A hearty welcome to Spring, and good riddance to Old Man Winter! On this, the first official day of Spring, I am celebrating (?) the one month anniversary of breaking my wrist after a nasty spill on the ice in our backyard. It's been a rough winter, but it's over now, and I win because the ice is gone, and I'm still here. Take that, stupid, stupid ice!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFNqSnDFe_PaOBveJboqnns9IVplOQIR02NJ6r8DGAtJ3oP3VqhE4zqOqs5ELpx29YBV4hur8AwU0ucEPffbeADb7M41PBtCgrbMOZ0SpXP0NlZkj0QE_fjLPUCe0FMp6jJEzslN8dC_Y/s1600/cast1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFNqSnDFe_PaOBveJboqnns9IVplOQIR02NJ6r8DGAtJ3oP3VqhE4zqOqs5ELpx29YBV4hur8AwU0ucEPffbeADb7M41PBtCgrbMOZ0SpXP0NlZkj0QE_fjLPUCe0FMp6jJEzslN8dC_Y/s320/cast1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The end result of all this is that I am unable to create any chain maille, and am trying to do everything else one handed. My hat is off to all of the redoubtable souls out there who routinely make do with less than two hands, two legs, eyes, ears, and/or whatever else. I don't know how you do it, but you have my undying admiration. I, for one, am tired of this, and would like very much to have my <i>two</i> hands back, please. Well, anyway, my cast is available for signing, if anyone is interested.<br />
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In the meantime, I thought I'd post some photos of the last thing I made before my big owee boo-boo took over my life: <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjbG5irUZMYZUcmmqVz285lIToTQN05YyZwof966XyoUjD6vuWoLStKSqKFHWrNP5yuGAW6DroyMPnyXXiGXuJAfnrhwh3HdXaPFDT6MDB0KZKxnUZeJiQEu7gaP3jiZ4RMxk1U6JlMAA/s1600/DSC00789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjbG5irUZMYZUcmmqVz285lIToTQN05YyZwof966XyoUjD6vuWoLStKSqKFHWrNP5yuGAW6DroyMPnyXXiGXuJAfnrhwh3HdXaPFDT6MDB0KZKxnUZeJiQEu7gaP3jiZ4RMxk1U6JlMAA/s320/DSC00789.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGPwIKHXW5Mw_7HJUODpF57Fkk66_aZG6qrqXmUeNq2FkMpGFstsJsCtBj7mz_FKj6PoYGHe5mpBG7MYCqgyO949Q_gdw33Jn7aYcvyAjf7wDmHeXAtHojbZdoID588BehOOEI8VWOU4/s1600/DSC00790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGPwIKHXW5Mw_7HJUODpF57Fkk66_aZG6qrqXmUeNq2FkMpGFstsJsCtBj7mz_FKj6PoYGHe5mpBG7MYCqgyO949Q_gdw33Jn7aYcvyAjf7wDmHeXAtHojbZdoID588BehOOEI8VWOU4/s320/DSC00790.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This is an Argentium Silver and Niobium European Four In One bracelet with a Sterling Silver box clasp. I wish I had more to show you, but I'm afraid I won't be doing<span id="ctl00_MainContentPlaceholder_ctl01_ctl00_lblEntry"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #fdfd00;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: #0098e1;"> </span></span></span></span></span>any chainmailling for a while. The cast is coming off some time in May, and I don't know how much physical therapy I will need, so I can't say when exactly I'll be able to get back to work. The sooner the better, as far as I'm concerned. The good news is that I've been gaining strength and mobility daily, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed (left hand only!) for a speedy recovery. I may try my hand (no pun intended) at making some precious metal clay charms... I'm thinking that I might be able to handle (there's that word again!) that because there are fewer tools involved. I guess we'll see about that.<br />
Anyway, Happy Spring to all... <br />
<span id="ctl00_MainContentPlaceholder_ctl01_ctl00_lblEntry"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #fdfd00;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: #0098e1;"> ✿</span></span></span></span></span><span id="ctl00_MainContentPlaceholder_ctl01_ctl00_lblEntry"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #fdfd00;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: #0098e1;"> ✿</span></span></span></span></span><span id="ctl00_MainContentPlaceholder_ctl01_ctl00_lblEntry"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #fdfd00;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="color: #0098e1;"> ✿</span></span></span></span></span><span id="ctl00_MainContentPlaceholder_ctl01_ctl00_lblEntry"></span>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00613186941325416801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757054303762147490.post-79406241740985702452011-02-01T22:17:00.000-05:002011-02-01T22:17:07.316-05:00Sigh... Dreaming Of Blue Hawaii ☼Wouldn't it be grand to get away from all of this nasty winter weather?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKAzeE2Y8SHk9Pas3aIu-aUca4O33IOAIOTf16sPCqlTzWm9hkNAPITYeXPdQIOHPzoXaY23QJSDlaU9rbE1naF_XZnYTJAwd7vVFCd7pnB-nUXDg7lQ8mbk39BpU5QvUUIBojWVm2a8/s1600/DSC00723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKAzeE2Y8SHk9Pas3aIu-aUca4O33IOAIOTf16sPCqlTzWm9hkNAPITYeXPdQIOHPzoXaY23QJSDlaU9rbE1naF_XZnYTJAwd7vVFCd7pnB-nUXDg7lQ8mbk39BpU5QvUUIBojWVm2a8/s320/DSC00723.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/67243879/blue-hawaii-chainmaille-charm-bracelet">http://www.etsy.com/listing/67243879/blue-hawaii-chainmaille-charm-bracelet</a>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00613186941325416801noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757054303762147490.post-43522654602943785612011-01-25T10:51:00.000-05:002011-01-25T10:51:33.506-05:00Zen and the fine art of coffeemaking...Well, it seems everything old is new again... again. If you're reading this in the New England area, you know that we've had a LOT of snow lately. So much snow that we're starting to wonder where we're going to put it all, and as I write this, more is coming down... <br />
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But I digress. A couple of weeks ago, we had such a heavy, wet snowfall, that many of us in the South Shore area (that's me) lost their electricity for a while. That meant no tv news, no lights, no computer, and worst of all, NO COFFEE! Aaaaaargh! Then, out of desperation, I had a crafty idea: down to the basement where we have all of our old camping equipment stored, searching, searching... Eureka! I found our old percolator! I'm a little embarrassed to admit that I had to look in my trusty Better Homes and Gardens cookbook to figure out how to work this mysterious contraption, but intrepid New Englander that I am, I followed the instructions, lit the gas stove with a match (electronic ignition doesn't work in a power failure), and voila! Yummy, hot, nectar of the gods... coffee! Yay!<br />
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Much to my surprise, I learned that coffee that has been percolated on the stove the old fashioned way is far superior to the thin, watery stuff that was coming from my drip coffeemaker. Robust, flavorful, and it even smells good while it's perking on the stove. So, I've dispensed with my Mr. Coffee, and have decided to keep doing things the old fashioned way - coffee-wise, anyway. Believe me, I won't be rushing down to the creek to do my laundry any time soon, and I won't be chain mailling by candlelight. But in this, at least, I'm returning to a more simple way of doing things, and am feeling pretty good about it.<br />
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Speaking of feeling good about things, please stay tuned for some new chain maille and metal clay additions coming soon. I'm feeling an urge to get busy creating, and am intending to put this chilly winter weather to good use. If I must be indoors, (and when the temperature is in the single digits, I'm afraid I must) I'll be spending my time coming up with some new designs and lots of new pieces that will go in my Etsy store and can be viewed in person at the Gemorama store in Hanover, Ma, and also at the sportsman's shows that Ed and I are participating in. The next one, by the way, is this weekend in Marlboro. Please come by and say hello!<br />
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Anyway, here's a sneak peek preview of some of my new designs: <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0SGZgBSf2b4ZICXKzoBrUfwfu6MM-gjNlR_-BopS_Mr1LFLzu-Dn-0mxu388MczKVGTBD91P-jDj2wjrrIXPV5VDmVcwsfK1ccm55v54pBpMf-otu2KnbQ4AhJ0AvZRsDJXTWBz7ynY/s1600/DSCN0922%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0SGZgBSf2b4ZICXKzoBrUfwfu6MM-gjNlR_-BopS_Mr1LFLzu-Dn-0mxu388MczKVGTBD91P-jDj2wjrrIXPV5VDmVcwsfK1ccm55v54pBpMf-otu2KnbQ4AhJ0AvZRsDJXTWBz7ynY/s320/DSCN0922%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sterling and Niobium Byzantine Bracelet with Blue Topaz Clasp</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScohzu2NcaBBBY-Kjy3W0_jF6H5_2kMYhoDv8olUz-ex04uJLXxWUXj_3M0t3t6PVODZ_8CLpj2HrH1lBfJky_nsd7iLAcieevtFrzZTRMpywTiMSjU71f7ZrrMYNLWi-GDX1w-TJzg0/s1600/DSCN0924%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScohzu2NcaBBBY-Kjy3W0_jF6H5_2kMYhoDv8olUz-ex04uJLXxWUXj_3M0t3t6PVODZ_8CLpj2HrH1lBfJky_nsd7iLAcieevtFrzZTRMpywTiMSjU71f7ZrrMYNLWi-GDX1w-TJzg0/s320/DSCN0924%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stainless Steel Rosettes Bracelet</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZQ5qwaxEEDV58cyXqwlR-q5GurumhYiY1A9J69tsK4GQ5uEQb6ACF2FpBjBuMU4SaLdcgAjjzTGzlG2WuwabJwTBE5eSDReD9Z1uQ7uGtHvsfJFz5WqzKK-d_EQRl9fzjFPqcvmPsq4/s1600/DSCN0929%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixZQ5qwaxEEDV58cyXqwlR-q5GurumhYiY1A9J69tsK4GQ5uEQb6ACF2FpBjBuMU4SaLdcgAjjzTGzlG2WuwabJwTBE5eSDReD9Z1uQ7uGtHvsfJFz5WqzKK-d_EQRl9fzjFPqcvmPsq4/s320/DSCN0929%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Precious Metal Clay Heart Pendant ~ Personalized With Your Photo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7aloxVwBb0QDOxsyhU9EED86shX-xWaL9fWI90hm-izaKDjX4tQh-Nvkj3AFxlgCkWuEfpaPGOUYrn7Qb-uAdbek4ID0Wh-ohwV-m8HC8lq8uu-DCl3_1sOZrBrrwseT4IY3h-W9stOc/s320/DSCN0930%255B1%255D.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One Of A Kind Sterling Persian Necklace With Zircon Gemstone Pendant</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #660000;">Stay warm everyone! </span></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWWji8TGgLNfxwSAEkVmuHgqMCWM0-XR5VkH61kwPoxjrXW6xx4TumNtRX2bjhCRLqDhIovA1bJgME7F33eCIUx94mBJaEDle_ZVuXhOw69OwGbgExidioT2YiykTeDZFmTv-LdwYPaM0/s1600/DSCN0932%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWWji8TGgLNfxwSAEkVmuHgqMCWM0-XR5VkH61kwPoxjrXW6xx4TumNtRX2bjhCRLqDhIovA1bJgME7F33eCIUx94mBJaEDle_ZVuXhOw69OwGbgExidioT2YiykTeDZFmTv-LdwYPaM0/s320/DSCN0932%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00613186941325416801noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757054303762147490.post-58199709081186484512011-01-14T17:19:00.000-05:002011-01-14T17:19:32.719-05:00New Year, New Look For Savoir Faire!I've been thinking (a lot) lately about Savoir Faire Creations, and what it is that makes my humble little business unique. What is there to set it apart from all of the other online purveyors of jewelry and such? The answer: history!<br />
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There's no way to get around it; Savoir Faire Creations, of course, is a reflection of me. It should be no surprise therefore, that in its offerings is reflected my love of history learned at my Daddy's knee. This year I'd like to make it a celebration of women throughout history, be they naughty or nice. Beginning at the beginning with Lilith, that independent first woman of the bible, all the way forward to screen sirens like Mae West, Marilyn Monroe, Kim Novak, Raquel Welch, and Sophia Loren. Ooh la la!<br />
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You may have noticed that I've changed Savoir Faire's logo and logo color. Gone is the Art Deco look, and gone too (at least for now!) is the pink. I've opted instead for a more calligraphic feel with illuminated initials, and have included one of my favorite quotes. Girls just wanna have fun, you know, and behaving badly is much more fun than behaving well!<br />
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In any case, having downloaded about twenty five different fonts, and created quite a few prototype logos, I finally settled on this one. I'm pretty happy with it... I'd love to know what you think.Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00613186941325416801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757054303762147490.post-55974598852552253302011-01-03T21:00:00.000-05:002011-01-03T21:00:16.611-05:00Welcome to 2011What is it about the beginning of a new year? It inspires us to make resolutions, change old habits, and clear up loose ends. But, many of us find that while the spirit is willing, the flesh is oh so weak, and those well intentioned resolutions fall by the wayside after just a few weeks. I think that maybe failed resolutions are a result of trying to take on too much all at once. We want to lose weight, quit smoking, get all of our bills paid on time, exercise more... on and on and on. Some years ago, I firmly resolved to make no more resolutions. THAT one at least, I've managed to keep.<br />
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But this year I've been thinking: instead of trying to change my world, make myself perfect, do everything all at once, phew, I'm already tired... what about taking some small, baby steps to start reaching toward those goals? I believe I'll start here with this brief post, and make a resolution to post here at least once a week, even if it's only a line or two, so stand by for more from this little corner of the world... Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00613186941325416801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757054303762147490.post-62017202782454843582010-10-31T23:09:00.001-04:002010-10-31T23:25:16.859-04:00A Sweet Story...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0jWAxd-kNujB8rzhDHh7vNg24hYPWakx6F7L_7ovhzwPQUfM9A6oodUTpGKSotj-DgeR3a1_PSGjJ74Y_lxAL7A8WFxQ5WADC-sxVygyfzJ6BOuXsEyr1YLAQua89LnFHqI1rJaErWU/s1600/DSCN0900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR0jWAxd-kNujB8rzhDHh7vNg24hYPWakx6F7L_7ovhzwPQUfM9A6oodUTpGKSotj-DgeR3a1_PSGjJ74Y_lxAL7A8WFxQ5WADC-sxVygyfzJ6BOuXsEyr1YLAQua89LnFHqI1rJaErWU/s320/DSCN0900.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Wow! I didn't realize it had been such a long time since I last posted...<br />
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We've been very busy, traveling around New England selling our wares at various sportsman's shows. Husband Ed sells his firearms supplies, and I put out my jewelry, which raises a few eyebrows, I must admit. But, most folks seem to like my little pink oasis in the midst of all of that camouflage, and honestly, I think the guys buy more jewelry for their wives, girlfriends and daughters (and sometimes themselves!) than the women do.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaFg17-X0NyuM_zkVZRB2ECwqqjhtjv_qNhJB_ORjTRc5UxadPOdDtBAQuDftYez1q0yc9AuMePWDqkD4TxY1Yz7PXGN7MIkFAqkoqUi0OJSxcBc2C1W96tk49G-aOjiIV_hoWPFGoggI/s1600/DSCN0896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaFg17-X0NyuM_zkVZRB2ECwqqjhtjv_qNhJB_ORjTRc5UxadPOdDtBAQuDftYez1q0yc9AuMePWDqkD4TxY1Yz7PXGN7MIkFAqkoqUi0OJSxcBc2C1W96tk49G-aOjiIV_hoWPFGoggI/s320/DSCN0896.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>In any case, I've got a very sweet story to share with you. Whenever I set my table up, I always include a little corner with a treasure box filled to the brim with buttons, bracelets and car magnets, all bearing the sentiment: Cancer Sucks. I ask for a dollar donation, and guests at the show can choose whatever they want out of the box. If they don't want to donate, I give them a button anyway. All of the money that I collect goes directly to Stand Up To Cancer. I've collected one hundred dollars so far!<br />
This weekend, a lot of the adults helped themselves to the Halloween candy I had put out, and walked right past the donation jar, barely giving it a second look. But just when I was about to give up hope, a young man about eight years old went by with his Dad. He stopped, read my plea for help, and very gravely got his grown up wallet out of his back pocket. His Dad and I exchanged a smile as he took two dollars out and dropped it in the jar. I was very touched by this young boy's generosity. What a sweet soul he has! He won't see this, but maybe he'll feel it somehow; I thank him from the bottom of my heart. I could tell that his Dad was proud, and rightly so.<br />
I was very excited to share this story; I hope it gets your week off to a good start. There's hope for humanity yet!<br />
<span class="Estilo58">P.S. After his generous donation, things began to pick up. Plenty of people donated their hard earned money, and I collected thirty two dollars to send to Stand Up To Cancer. My heartfelt thanks to all! ❤</span><span class="Estilo58">❤</span><span class="Estilo58">❤</span>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00613186941325416801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757054303762147490.post-28530058232201961042010-06-22T16:56:00.000-04:002010-06-22T16:56:33.833-04:00Adjectif Charms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8fTVDxzfvfDZpny7duu0iTShISMiFhSzxdaZ-KqwPpD3xta0xDEu99nHyjYPVKh4Gz-EpqPKnaXdo6MroSRAnwSSrHrvxIZL-uBRdhNsJXBF_7xIfzy7obMUmSf-TAQjop90IuM0E4Gc/s1600/DSCN0557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8fTVDxzfvfDZpny7duu0iTShISMiFhSzxdaZ-KqwPpD3xta0xDEu99nHyjYPVKh4Gz-EpqPKnaXdo6MroSRAnwSSrHrvxIZL-uBRdhNsJXBF_7xIfzy7obMUmSf-TAQjop90IuM0E4Gc/s320/DSCN0557.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7go0dSUf8aHB5qsUb6i2Fp45mRI0aAmD8YVfTvvHvBAcGfo_qYLEbkOd4dnkzAAFQv9AIArea4ZM_aojX_X4uxqV1XsuRPcwnUuqceIeSPPtoUTSCwMjPuENV5PJPFNians2h0Mh60Q/s1600/DSCN0558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7go0dSUf8aHB5qsUb6i2Fp45mRI0aAmD8YVfTvvHvBAcGfo_qYLEbkOd4dnkzAAFQv9AIArea4ZM_aojX_X4uxqV1XsuRPcwnUuqceIeSPPtoUTSCwMjPuENV5PJPFNians2h0Mh60Q/s200/DSCN0558.JPG" width="200" /></a>The new Adjectif charms have been fired, and I must say that I'm pretty pleased with the results.<br />
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I followed a new firing schedule - made possible by the new digital controller that Ed installed on my kiln yesterday (YAY!) - and the results are like night and day when compared with the schedule I was using for the manual controller. In the photo above, you can see the fired charms ready to go into the tumbler, and also some of the descriptive words already cut out of the hand painted paper. And in the photo to the left is the kiln with my new friend the digital controller.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbMVCpu9PKDsyMrwLB43d-GNmlgdNPoS6Ge1hdugjIfxSwOMXXo4_oZc8XXOk6JIMHxGVL7F2UpxT-kZUBDLgK2Lg7TtEpMzx_MDH__pO2jdFUTY6OLIKEsQ7smLu_vjS-KBd-Nfq_9T0/s1600/DSCN0559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbMVCpu9PKDsyMrwLB43d-GNmlgdNPoS6Ge1hdugjIfxSwOMXXo4_oZc8XXOk6JIMHxGVL7F2UpxT-kZUBDLgK2Lg7TtEpMzx_MDH__pO2jdFUTY6OLIKEsQ7smLu_vjS-KBd-Nfq_9T0/s200/DSCN0559.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Yesterday was a fun day for me... Ed had a chance, finally, to install the new controller, and it works! Thanks Ed! I got the charms fired and ready to finish, and UPS delivered my new printer. Woohoo!<br />
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After the charms have been tumble polished, the final step is to set the words into them and cover them with the epoxy resin. This step seals and protects the paper, and makes the charm waterproof. Tomorrow I'll show the process for finishing the charms and setting the epoxy resin.Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00613186941325416801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757054303762147490.post-78989926287126380612010-06-20T18:15:00.000-04:002010-06-20T18:15:29.384-04:00If At First You Don't Succeed...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
Try, try again. After last week's metal clay debacle, I decided to give it a few days rest, and put it aside for a while. And while I was mulling over what went wrong, an idea began to form: what if there were a way to create silver charms alive with color, and personalized in a unique way? Well, guess what? There is! And thus was born my new line of charms and pendants: <b style="color: #660000;">Adjectifs</b>. In these photos you can see the very first ones in their infancy.<br />
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This one is for me with the date of my surgery. These will go into the Survivors category of my Etsy shop, where, of course, the profits all go to cancer research. However, the charms are not just for survivors; I will also be creating anniversary charms, birthday charms, and any other commemorative charms I can come up with or receive requests for.<br />
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In addition, I'll be doing some creative writing with these: it's a tell 'em how you're really feeling kind of thing. You may notice that the charm in the following photo says: Creative. There will be lots of those, with a number of different adjectives, describing all kinds of states of mind. I've hand painted some watercolor paper in some beautiful colors, and will be adding the descriptive words in a couple of days, as soon as my new printer arrives. They won't all be nice; some will be just for fun like: Diva, Sexy, Offbeat, Silly, Trippy, Smart and Funny.<br />
What you're seeing here is the metal clay in an unfired state. Looks pretty dull right now,I know, but once it has been fired and polished it will take on a beautiful silver shine.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3GMdVG4BqA1IaE4R3S8-fES-ysIClvMlzDK6wUtGKM7-jEGuN6J50eCdLhjfpeXAbq7_CvVppa0akSd3KFUuv1JsbfQp8OqBRg2fvhyCq-093es5Ex-YdXaRS2Dud6DIm9BUiVGJGE8/s1600/DSCN0540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL3GMdVG4BqA1IaE4R3S8-fES-ysIClvMlzDK6wUtGKM7-jEGuN6J50eCdLhjfpeXAbq7_CvVppa0akSd3KFUuv1JsbfQp8OqBRg2fvhyCq-093es5Ex-YdXaRS2Dud6DIm9BUiVGJGE8/s320/DSCN0540.JPG" /></a></div>Tomorrow after firing, I'll be posting some photos of the charms in their unpolished state. Since I am planning a whole line of these charms, I thought that you might like to see the process from start to finish. <br />
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Of course, Boone and Sunny like to help. Their input during the creative process is key. Lots of woo-wooing, and tail wagging makes me think that they like my ideas with a doggy version of: "Way to go, Mom!"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyXlaGNzf15Qi7ixpZkzd_I7pG2XrsSV2Y88bSKmw9-p5EAJZnqvjWyJn99ta2GsHp8qYvUsK391SJaZovjkhfP4TR1P_fdUMQnnZtTaR0Ce5eFaf5thNuT_rSnyYT9ej7ab6wjUxVeE/s1600/DSCN0543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvyXlaGNzf15Qi7ixpZkzd_I7pG2XrsSV2Y88bSKmw9-p5EAJZnqvjWyJn99ta2GsHp8qYvUsK391SJaZovjkhfP4TR1P_fdUMQnnZtTaR0Ce5eFaf5thNuT_rSnyYT9ej7ab6wjUxVeE/s320/DSCN0543.JPG" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Please note: all designs are copyright Savoir Faire Creations 2010</span>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00613186941325416801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757054303762147490.post-62119149806636760872010-06-15T18:27:00.001-04:002010-06-15T18:39:37.396-04:00I Am Still Learning...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> Some days it just doesn't pay to try to work in a new-ish medium. Inspired by a new book with all kinds of fun projects in precious metal clay, I decided to sit myself down and create some new masterpieces. In reality, the only thing I ended up creating was a big, sticky mess! I guess I should read the directions again...<br />
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However, all is not lost, because I discovered something important about working with precious metal clay: unlike chain maille, which I can work on for a short time, and put down when I get sick of it, metal clay is a medium that demands your complete attention. Put aside all other endeavors for a while; you'll need to concentrate on this one thing, and nothing else.<br />
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So far, working with the clay has been a bit hit or miss for me. Sometimes everything goes very smoothly, and the pieces turn out just the way I want them; other times (like today!) not so much. I'm not prepared to give up on it just yet. For one thing, I have a pretty fair amount of money invested in it - there's the kiln, the packages of clay, the molds, stamps, cutters and assorted equipment that I have stashed away, but the most important thing (I think) is that I can't allow this stupid, stupid stuff to defeat me!<br />
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I've managed to make a few pieces that I'm pretty happy with; these are the most recent ones: <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqoZP3mmMUnpiRlx8KAqe-PyQ3fdjTM3ypBFkRw_hjk3cHTw8OyptHSvRbLKJCvhXsI5psSGeOcqnh0ywhK5UhFd-OgMS4Ftj3c10vDRxDJPLNYGiSVlDISOcY66aBI8aCBa3oEf4AyeM/s1600/copticcross6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqoZP3mmMUnpiRlx8KAqe-PyQ3fdjTM3ypBFkRw_hjk3cHTw8OyptHSvRbLKJCvhXsI5psSGeOcqnh0ywhK5UhFd-OgMS4Ftj3c10vDRxDJPLNYGiSVlDISOcY66aBI8aCBa3oEf4AyeM/s320/copticcross6.JPG" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZaET9VmSvVDs-die3ZPDu7XMbu9NE6vFclTNrqCRkeiujbVTZN8quat-3ewRdaFesAgrD8uDOx2EEaBMc3EEeBynac763snomoczRqRxvni-flQGlcP0NPT4kFjoid8jODBluj12qwQ/s1600/triskele6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZaET9VmSvVDs-die3ZPDu7XMbu9NE6vFclTNrqCRkeiujbVTZN8quat-3ewRdaFesAgrD8uDOx2EEaBMc3EEeBynac763snomoczRqRxvni-flQGlcP0NPT4kFjoid8jODBluj12qwQ/s320/triskele6.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFiM1FXoqhG_sH5qfSbbqQUWfKhjLeSI4vGZq7YeUVlqp9BCC4XgNnppN-U_TOks4NZla3hIcNgqDrK3IE_wxofnkLwB-OvlUBWKYicsVcKS18ke_epGpQ60Kze1FpTQoS6k02C-T4sRg/s1600/DSC00448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFiM1FXoqhG_sH5qfSbbqQUWfKhjLeSI4vGZq7YeUVlqp9BCC4XgNnppN-U_TOks4NZla3hIcNgqDrK3IE_wxofnkLwB-OvlUBWKYicsVcKS18ke_epGpQ60Kze1FpTQoS6k02C-T4sRg/s320/DSC00448.JPG" /></a></div><br />
In the immortal words of Michelangelo: Ancora imparo (I am still learning). I guess I'll try it again another day...Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00613186941325416801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757054303762147490.post-28456304724398566802010-06-01T10:21:00.000-04:002010-06-01T10:21:39.733-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztfoLpvoSCyaoxRWJdSf8nMNxN6YPM-MITCaKRviKspB_ceSKNQYY0hHbBEAdq12oiC-9dmi_Fd3AADn7HMQv1fxQwK80zofx1kUN0xk-_gksAkVBPKNNJPK_IrVYXqSFILLBJndppMM/s1600/DSCN0524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztfoLpvoSCyaoxRWJdSf8nMNxN6YPM-MITCaKRviKspB_ceSKNQYY0hHbBEAdq12oiC-9dmi_Fd3AADn7HMQv1fxQwK80zofx1kUN0xk-_gksAkVBPKNNJPK_IrVYXqSFILLBJndppMM/s320/DSCN0524.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Happy June to all! Can you believe that it's June already? Summer is almost upon us! <br />
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Ed and I spent most of the Memorial Day weekend planting a new flower garden. I've never felt that I have much talent in this area - most of my houseplants wind up as pathetic brown things, but we did our best, and I must say that I'm pretty pleased with the results. The scent wafting up from the garden when I stepped out on to the deck this morning made all of the hard work worthwhile. I wish I could get this amazing perfume to you - somebody please invent smell-o-vision!<br />
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I love all of the colors, from bright, lemony yellows to orange, pink and salmon, pale blue and the deep royal blue of Lobelia - a veritable rainbow! Many thanks to Prisco's for all of the wonderful flowers. Someday, I hope to make this small space a garden we can walk through, and install a gazebo for summer gazing, but for now, I'm content just to have this little splash of color and scent in my own little backyard.Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00613186941325416801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757054303762147490.post-28918551191951735522010-05-22T07:41:00.003-04:002010-05-22T07:45:54.740-04:00New Beginnings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVz-YO_nZg_Xf2oLcZ8S2HsnWPbmN7LuJKsco4RTrAzjcp1k29mgwIWAPqIch38LTLvo-p5ES3pr8lZqAxnFwgzWQfxwuOs1olHFeze9Jon53ItgbcRQ4FXsqA8qUXyJXyAn86OQVdGQ/s1600/309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSVz-YO_nZg_Xf2oLcZ8S2HsnWPbmN7LuJKsco4RTrAzjcp1k29mgwIWAPqIch38LTLvo-p5ES3pr8lZqAxnFwgzWQfxwuOs1olHFeze9Jon53ItgbcRQ4FXsqA8qUXyJXyAn86OQVdGQ/s320/309.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
It's springtime, and that means new beginnings... this sweet little baby was in our garden this week; poor little thing had been frightened by the lawnmower. My running out there to snap it's picture probably didn't help it's mood any, but I just couldn't resist. It's hard to tell from the photo, but this little one could have fit into the palm of my hand. Good thing Mr. MacGregor wasn't around!Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00613186941325416801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757054303762147490.post-89094665361782031742010-05-15T09:07:00.003-04:002010-05-15T09:15:51.329-04:00Summertime, summertime, sum, sum, summertime!The work has been done, final exams given, and final grades turned in... YAY! Let summer begin!<br />
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Gee whiz! I didn't realize that it has been such a long time since I posted anything here. I have been busy, busy, busy at school, at Ed's trade shows, at Gemorama, and in the studio; there just never seems to be enough hours in the day! I'm hoping for a little breather now that classes and trade shows are over for the summer.<br />
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Speaking of not enough hours in the day, I've been thinking a lot lately about carving out a little more time for myself from my daily schedule. It's important to make sure that everyone and everything is taken care of, but I'm starting to understand that it's also important to take care of me. That means improving my diet, taking steps (no pun intended) to make sure that I squeeze in a daily walk, and giving myself a little time every day to do something creative and satisfying. After all, if I don't do it, who will? I would love to hear some of your thoughts about how you accomplish all of this... any ideas out there? I can use all of the help I can get!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVJVE6a8pje-MGDhdj6w14vczcpGzeIJBcXq-Ra1CNYQHOpmuO4dz-sFL_4xCEjD3ZhF8oQuzx0wcVXnomLe_E_Bn_23Pg8WncsfEwKfMGXXbzag3ajFQ0qmMMHGdD7hNqrKjFB4c3sM/s1600/0405102340-00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVJVE6a8pje-MGDhdj6w14vczcpGzeIJBcXq-Ra1CNYQHOpmuO4dz-sFL_4xCEjD3ZhF8oQuzx0wcVXnomLe_E_Bn_23Pg8WncsfEwKfMGXXbzag3ajFQ0qmMMHGdD7hNqrKjFB4c3sM/s320/0405102340-00.jpg" /></a></div>In other news, Boone and Sunny are now getting along quite well; their little period of strife seems to be over, although they can still be a bit competitive. If Boone is getting attention, Sunny will try to wedge herself in for some attention as well. If Sunny is getting attention, Boone will nudge her out of the way, and woo,woo,woo until he gets what he wants. But they seem to like each other, and sometimes gang up on us now when they want something. There's nothing like turning around when you've got your lunch in hand, and seeing two very large dogs drooling and hovering, both of them hoping something will fall on the floor.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitao4cXbeyym0Vpw88C0W3-GPS05BzGQ_kUFC53vrQ88k_1HRR-h7cmpNJeg-74il7kA9jr_bBkwUEzvIQZtIDHmJIBeVeoPAtnx3YPqQ1TCAXvr7q0pZZ3G2hcm_KLfYzYZc7MtwTF-w/s1600/0417101553-00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitao4cXbeyym0Vpw88C0W3-GPS05BzGQ_kUFC53vrQ88k_1HRR-h7cmpNJeg-74il7kA9jr_bBkwUEzvIQZtIDHmJIBeVeoPAtnx3YPqQ1TCAXvr7q0pZZ3G2hcm_KLfYzYZc7MtwTF-w/s320/0417101553-00.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>And, of course, just in time to coincide with the springtime pollen, the shedding has begun! This is Boone after being brushed. I think there's enough brushed out fur there to make a whole new dog. Just so you know, we brush this much out of him every day. He's not that crazy about being brushed, but will sit reasonably still for a little while. We know when he's had enough, because he jumps up and runs off, squeezing himself into some small space so that we can't get close enough to brush anymore. Thank God for slipcovers because he's a real couch potato, and I'm not sure how I would get all of the fur off if I couldn't just take the cover off and wash it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0UVprcdEd_uqSJRx6snQ8xAT4994q7vVqfvyNuPDneVDVWaidA1ORI0PHYFWsRCp5Q9AkfmblyDahJEaj19j5d3nEzOQgJGLySymUXEitAvj-s5S8nN58isdYuCtzi7cOifFU_4j_96g/s1600/welshdragonunfired+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0UVprcdEd_uqSJRx6snQ8xAT4994q7vVqfvyNuPDneVDVWaidA1ORI0PHYFWsRCp5Q9AkfmblyDahJEaj19j5d3nEzOQgJGLySymUXEitAvj-s5S8nN58isdYuCtzi7cOifFU_4j_96g/s320/welshdragonunfired+001.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Now that I'm off for the summer, I am taking the opportunity to play more with the metal clay. I have quite a few pieces waiting to go into the kiln, and a few that are finished. This material fascinates me; to be honest, it doesn't look like much before it has been fired. Kind of off white, and, in a word, boring! And after it has been fired, it doesn't look much different. It's in the finishing that the real beauty of the piece begins to appear. This can be a bit of work, but I love to see it go from its dull off white to shiny gleaming silver. I can understand now what the alchemists of old were trying to achieve. It's a little like magic, watching these pieces transform.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGJ95faK9H4lX6cgZ8xEN-rItGMpSMWWn7L1Tbshyncz4tlzxgPbv8mSrrMk7e6jbLoACeUZ-RhMTuq0gbqZXRv47pBoHlEZHHRRD1iZ2323GB29Bfp313BBElvuL-XVdGZPcrFhUB4A/s1600/welshdragonfired+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyGJ95faK9H4lX6cgZ8xEN-rItGMpSMWWn7L1Tbshyncz4tlzxgPbv8mSrrMk7e6jbLoACeUZ-RhMTuq0gbqZXRv47pBoHlEZHHRRD1iZ2323GB29Bfp313BBElvuL-XVdGZPcrFhUB4A/s320/welshdragonfired+002.jpg" /></a></div><br />
This is how the silver looks after it has been fired and brushed with a brass brush. It takes on a matte appearance, and any flaws are readily visible. It sometimes takes a good bit of finishing to get that smooth, shiny look to it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwjj5H_PY2FsYaLQsz_K8aFJmcSSEvLAIAmtEPiKKS4WMSBimuKQDwciE3I-PBg2G5rueAQumzlGOZI_93r0je9cN0-q04AInXZezsIpQ6OwzehiluvX9pjO5X-tnR3rWGGMwVn1ahFw0/s1600/DSC00119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwjj5H_PY2FsYaLQsz_K8aFJmcSSEvLAIAmtEPiKKS4WMSBimuKQDwciE3I-PBg2G5rueAQumzlGOZI_93r0je9cN0-q04AInXZezsIpQ6OwzehiluvX9pjO5X-tnR3rWGGMwVn1ahFw0/s320/DSC00119.JPG" /></a></div>I confess, I wish I knew more about working with this material. There are no classes that I am aware of in my immediate area, so I guess, at least for now, I'm on my own. I suppose I will learn as I go along, and maybe it will be kind of fun for me to see my work evolve. I'm firing some more pieces today, and will plan on posting their progress here. If anyone has any pointers, I'd love to hear them!Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00613186941325416801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757054303762147490.post-58852494585863796672010-03-20T23:31:00.000-04:002010-03-20T23:31:21.064-04:00Love That Dirty Water...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiX-R3P-uiadqIOfTEeBMvu3t7ZtSa5VFHFHwSGTUpjC5a9JyXalrY6OmqAmZHgXl81oGk8Ago7WggNbJGoBoL7WJEmgvLtFxLRGPche-OG8vwKKbVdGu8sUaDIvldOe5i5TcN19HjefQ/s1600-h/triptoboston+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiX-R3P-uiadqIOfTEeBMvu3t7ZtSa5VFHFHwSGTUpjC5a9JyXalrY6OmqAmZHgXl81oGk8Ago7WggNbJGoBoL7WJEmgvLtFxLRGPche-OG8vwKKbVdGu8sUaDIvldOe5i5TcN19HjefQ/s320/triptoboston+020.jpg" /></a></div> <br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">Spring break, wonderful weather, so daughter Shann and I headed into the city yesterday to see some butterflies at the Museum of Science.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The Butterfly Garden is a beautiful place; especially after a long, dreary winter. A virtual kaleidoscope of color and pattern greets you as you enter the room. Green, blue, pink, orange, yellow - nearly all of the colors of the rainbow are there. The Garden room is small, warm and steamy; just the way the butterflies like it. As they meander from flower to foliage, they flutter around you and bump into you - a truly amazing experience. Sometimes the butterflies like to land and hitch a ride; visitors are advised to check for hitchhikers as they leave the room. Photographs are encouraged, and if I'd spent a little more time, I probably could have shot hundreds of photos. But, it got a little warm for me in there, so I did reluctantly leave after fifteen minutes or so. Even so, I'm glad I brought my camera as I was able to get in a few good shots:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPaEYFLVI4z4XLtrliiUr9P5GcsdSnG4bH9PhecfTi5IeRe1Iopg2DD0SfeogSCNE3SsfyXTgG4A_exO4OIuCB__A1QF00FFcK-p3nfg02uvUuCg8n9nLYVjILGsTT36xGO12VxGgCB0g/s1600-h/triptoboston+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">This blue one kept eluding me, until it finally landed<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPaEYFLVI4z4XLtrliiUr9P5GcsdSnG4bH9PhecfTi5IeRe1Iopg2DD0SfeogSCNE3SsfyXTgG4A_exO4OIuCB__A1QF00FFcK-p3nfg02uvUuCg8n9nLYVjILGsTT36xGO12VxGgCB0g/s320/triptoboston+011.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_LJL2VckXLCljQSiEDzdf_sv7aBJyxPQOY3fBvJX8yR8culq6ooH5JYVUJQZFd7ueVft2EdiE3X3X2qiHwFnROmKAU8T9vqKjxva4Ij4RK-ao_Eg_v2gAtZiOnEXUWy_FrgJ3ps7v9E/s1600-h/triptoboston+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">The patterns are astonishingly beautiful<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_LJL2VckXLCljQSiEDzdf_sv7aBJyxPQOY3fBvJX8yR8culq6ooH5JYVUJQZFd7ueVft2EdiE3X3X2qiHwFnROmKAU8T9vqKjxva4Ij4RK-ao_Eg_v2gAtZiOnEXUWy_FrgJ3ps7v9E/s320/triptoboston+012.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BM9QKyM3w4D8IotVoFBEZLNT5JzPrUAFZ5kN7RHfOWkXymkQyWA9oTKfIT46V13F8lKNB17Pz2roJVtJFrxkhDWdlm4ap6iU4GtVmgvUNCVB_C7R7XNSbePoZ8FaOKwAR3m0cCghr7U/s1600-h/triptoboston+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6BM9QKyM3w4D8IotVoFBEZLNT5JzPrUAFZ5kN7RHfOWkXymkQyWA9oTKfIT46V13F8lKNB17Pz2roJVtJFrxkhDWdlm4ap6iU4GtVmgvUNCVB_C7R7XNSbePoZ8FaOKwAR3m0cCghr7U/s320/triptoboston+014.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-94LS5C9hXmTJDXtihOSi4uyEe17WVcrvdmnyHyg7ph0XU0pB7ymXYL32MF3HmoqlH2vqOgAONZheyPK2PP8WeucsqYVEFdMUlfIKP5KlkIqhqgeGdKlSZsywxOLK2v7I13d8PjYAQ4A/s1600-h/triptoboston+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">This one is very Savoir Faire!</a> </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rSFNuM1cQD0dcdlzt5bWLA5XccjCSsTIQIdasiiWHZQeH47bEQUncKmtz7IrssEgtM1hM9ysV9gAqEQwLPAObqCR3OofUz5ucxFwHA0nqhmGGToAhoVP35E8EDt-tRkIHTJ-HccSVFs/s1600-h/triptoboston+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rSFNuM1cQD0dcdlzt5bWLA5XccjCSsTIQIdasiiWHZQeH47bEQUncKmtz7IrssEgtM1hM9ysV9gAqEQwLPAObqCR3OofUz5ucxFwHA0nqhmGGToAhoVP35E8EDt-tRkIHTJ-HccSVFs/s320/triptoboston+019.jpg" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi31vM0bY1n81-dBqii-XlQ3sTfE6YkY3srtnjP5sDAm7qbq1Qq8LPETpou75Wpw2vVCXuNWpxKvtFW6FT9m-FvoDAopJtB5HqOt__NwnUGp8rUsKn1otAkItiKNtFZ1KZ27z7hS9JiyGo/s1600-h/triptoboston+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">No trip to the museum is complete without visiting the dinosaurs!</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW47lp1erNeMhCbpgQCrbIkRe9YllAs6dUyajPvvm_zS3brjSm2V0CWNoybsCHbRBFCApM0Xe8ACk2JBmWMuowk_J9WjK5G1xfmoHsU44lM-NIM_xiXak3Ph5RKqnCZJ1CrCbY7IG0pd0/s1600-h/triptoboston+027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW47lp1erNeMhCbpgQCrbIkRe9YllAs6dUyajPvvm_zS3brjSm2V0CWNoybsCHbRBFCApM0Xe8ACk2JBmWMuowk_J9WjK5G1xfmoHsU44lM-NIM_xiXak3Ph5RKqnCZJ1CrCbY7IG0pd0/s320/triptoboston+027.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi31vM0bY1n81-dBqii-XlQ3sTfE6YkY3srtnjP5sDAm7qbq1Qq8LPETpou75Wpw2vVCXuNWpxKvtFW6FT9m-FvoDAopJtB5HqOt__NwnUGp8rUsKn1otAkItiKNtFZ1KZ27z7hS9JiyGo/s1600/triptoboston+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">A view of the Charles River from the museum</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi31vM0bY1n81-dBqii-XlQ3sTfE6YkY3srtnjP5sDAm7qbq1Qq8LPETpou75Wpw2vVCXuNWpxKvtFW6FT9m-FvoDAopJtB5HqOt__NwnUGp8rUsKn1otAkItiKNtFZ1KZ27z7hS9JiyGo/s320/triptoboston+022.jpg" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwxJnpjd9EawBubBcvv5T8_S61ZUG6Vgqf_xKHTz7l0B0SkQDG_WEOCekytqZNTAVk7uZ0QqJyOE58UJe9VSQ2p1Ca4Bqc_5VReKdCaJUAYPiok_nspshEULEZzDwcySfkFrxP-gDKO24/s1600-h/triptoboston+030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Faneuil Hall</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwxJnpjd9EawBubBcvv5T8_S61ZUG6Vgqf_xKHTz7l0B0SkQDG_WEOCekytqZNTAVk7uZ0QqJyOE58UJe9VSQ2p1Ca4Bqc_5VReKdCaJUAYPiok_nspshEULEZzDwcySfkFrxP-gDKO24/s320/triptoboston+030.jpg" /></div>And finally, for just a little slice of history (and some window shopping!), we paid a visit to historic Faneuil Hall. I had a really fun day; the city is an interesting place, and the butterflies were a real joy. Thanks, Shann!</div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00613186941325416801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757054303762147490.post-62377796604401703292010-03-02T10:27:00.002-05:002010-03-04T22:42:43.915-05:00Emerging From Hibernation!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqoUSNk2OtsJfawM4xyaExyaieSTFH8WYwlY42-8zAFW2MvAI_FLcbjx08F5TzPnBB1Baaj-gxQyV1Gc57UdFSH6oTXRu7e3kYx0mGNbLUbJIzY0bIZ4d5qq4ZY_0MduMfAsD_sqnph_U/s1600-h/boone1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqoUSNk2OtsJfawM4xyaExyaieSTFH8WYwlY42-8zAFW2MvAI_FLcbjx08F5TzPnBB1Baaj-gxQyV1Gc57UdFSH6oTXRu7e3kYx0mGNbLUbJIzY0bIZ4d5qq4ZY_0MduMfAsD_sqnph_U/s320/boone1.jpg" /></a></div>Well, here I am, back again after a much needed time out. Bandit's death did take the wind out of my sails just a bit. Well, okay, more than just a bit, but I can console myself by knowing that my old friend is not suffering anymore. Poor Sunny was so sad and missing him, that we decided to find another pal for her. So please allow me to introduce Sunny's new pal, Boone. Boone arrived here this past Sunday, so we are all still adjusting to one another, (this may take a while!), but he seems like a nice boy, overall, and I think everything will be okay soon.<br />
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In the meantime, I spotted my first Robin out in the yard this morning, and a funny little Chickadee hopping around on the deck rail - a sure sign that Spring is on its way! Soon, I hope!<br />
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I have been very busy in the studio, creating some new chain maille designs, and experimenting with some new materials. Ed brought home a whole bag of empty shell cases (spent bullets for those of you who, like me, don't know much about guns and things), and after tumble polishing them to get all of the yucky stuff off, I have been trying to incorporate them into some jewelry designs. I used the larger shell cases as end caps in a chunky bracelet (probably more suitable for a man?), pictured here:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMz0bVb6nxCdP1guT865mEzTgCOfPNlHWnhNnhKq9V2pwsmlvyhbs_NDx9di70QHwHTQF5PCmBC9KI5e7_SZUunIbD_hEx1iyuvErEzBBgWHoPjM1IgF5Pb8MRNDlueRyNJCK_WoFN3A/s1600-h/brassshellcase1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyMz0bVb6nxCdP1guT865mEzTgCOfPNlHWnhNnhKq9V2pwsmlvyhbs_NDx9di70QHwHTQF5PCmBC9KI5e7_SZUunIbD_hEx1iyuvErEzBBgWHoPjM1IgF5Pb8MRNDlueRyNJCK_WoFN3A/s200/brassshellcase1.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>In addition to the bracelet, I used a smaller, nickel plated brass case as a pendant to hang from a stainless steel Jens Pind chain.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09aPDsaeVYypzQuHvdBCtadYR8mYSqYWB5j7ivuNEs7tACVq5TLWWt1iiPuW3Frvualp8WuxVlzyCCVty7R0Aht7hOKC-57LF7y-T7aGVAIOAFI_0OU7DIoX4NUC09HCE4Tdj7zFRDok/s1600-h/turquoisebullet2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09aPDsaeVYypzQuHvdBCtadYR8mYSqYWB5j7ivuNEs7tACVq5TLWWt1iiPuW3Frvualp8WuxVlzyCCVty7R0Aht7hOKC-57LF7y-T7aGVAIOAFI_0OU7DIoX4NUC09HCE4Tdj7zFRDok/s200/turquoisebullet2.JPG" width="200" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I'm working on some other designs that will incorporate shell cases, but don't have anything else finished just yet.<br />
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I have also discovered Aluminum! What an excellent material this is: strong, tarnish free, colorful and ultra lightweight! Take a look at these:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UAdVkCa33Rp8TU1V-_R0k9eSswJ2nwYisMDlXkCPPewjd_7aSPiv2WEFfY6YN_q11IqAJ1WpY1k31PikMseXWQuWd5sq2OMhuWRlzAzMwdu1RtYiKG2fMNlwBGXpwShl3LOiu_1JhFE/s1600-h/anodyzedbluebyzantine4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UAdVkCa33Rp8TU1V-_R0k9eSswJ2nwYisMDlXkCPPewjd_7aSPiv2WEFfY6YN_q11IqAJ1WpY1k31PikMseXWQuWd5sq2OMhuWRlzAzMwdu1RtYiKG2fMNlwBGXpwShl3LOiu_1JhFE/s320/anodyzedbluebyzantine4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEeBpT6BAq3s6aqq750ItotX2QZ18a5c6ehEH9ZLcFPvAfnDOc1dhs9kJNzyffsWqyc6hSa5yKBKU4vAC8z9tKRk8EIYQ26rqf6UJfNrQ9pBsFtggyZnYd2bzdJgvAcYEHKpSgzUfDhHo/s1600-h/byzantinefiligree3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEeBpT6BAq3s6aqq750ItotX2QZ18a5c6ehEH9ZLcFPvAfnDOc1dhs9kJNzyffsWqyc6hSa5yKBKU4vAC8z9tKRk8EIYQ26rqf6UJfNrQ9pBsFtggyZnYd2bzdJgvAcYEHKpSgzUfDhHo/s320/byzantinefiligree3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL97eeRIWMaSJMpegSqlkvQDrIV5W9FVbun2b9wklvACGbBQShm35SuZlXSSF80rMspjTv8oNX24jHWn8lC-IqoI0rS8HpIaMAtIucP7x-qYEKKrL3FkJGby0QljyGC_0xtTGIpck1-xY/s1600-h/byzantinefiligree1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL97eeRIWMaSJMpegSqlkvQDrIV5W9FVbun2b9wklvACGbBQShm35SuZlXSSF80rMspjTv8oNX24jHWn8lC-IqoI0rS8HpIaMAtIucP7x-qYEKKrL3FkJGby0QljyGC_0xtTGIpck1-xY/s320/byzantinefiligree1.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0bc0-eoYKmGZNsQK8bhVO2f4DpSJl03870F_Py61aNN6xQVEWfmCQXWhFwF_StBsWglOyYfPhGa44n4nDFtcjmF0On462Dvo11kVa_GAntm8D3FnjBKyccBH2Q39vEEv4bZhsdO6wdvA/s1600-h/anodyzedbluelace4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0bc0-eoYKmGZNsQK8bhVO2f4DpSJl03870F_Py61aNN6xQVEWfmCQXWhFwF_StBsWglOyYfPhGa44n4nDFtcjmF0On462Dvo11kVa_GAntm8D3FnjBKyccBH2Q39vEEv4bZhsdO6wdvA/s320/anodyzedbluelace4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> I have lots of new things planned for the coming months. Now that the sun is starting to shine, and the daylight is lasting a little longer, I am getting the urge to create again. Check back often to see what's new!Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00613186941325416801noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757054303762147490.post-61422212497373228412010-01-26T16:29:00.001-05:002010-01-26T16:30:22.534-05:00In Memoriam<div style="text-align: center;"><b>Bandit</b><br />
<b>1994 - 2010<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn9OElL98fiBQWtEHT-U8NNOF8-bmchh6T6v9TsWe8yWH9IbQZ142oKQnpFNu7UsMGXV2dTUNe0KfcUz7SJt5XyIqxz0B0VNu7MiOkjr358WxSvybQfDcuPXFirCQzDN3qAnlf6EBUGKU/s1600-h/10-24-09+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn9OElL98fiBQWtEHT-U8NNOF8-bmchh6T6v9TsWe8yWH9IbQZ142oKQnpFNu7UsMGXV2dTUNe0KfcUz7SJt5XyIqxz0B0VNu7MiOkjr358WxSvybQfDcuPXFirCQzDN3qAnlf6EBUGKU/s400/10-24-09+003.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
</div>Two weeks ago today, my very good friend Bandit crossed the Rainbow Bridge and moved on to a better place. We miss you, old buddy.Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00613186941325416801noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757054303762147490.post-79106385427510755732009-12-31T08:58:00.002-05:002009-12-31T09:26:04.519-05:00A Parting Shot...So, here we are at the end of 2009, and looking forward to whatever 2010 will bring us. It's been one heck of a year. I resolved a long time ago to stop making New Years Resolutions, and that, at least, has been one resolution that I have been able to stick to.<br />
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Anyway, this was the year that I turned 50 (!!!!!). Half a century, who'd a thunk it? And I don't feel a day over 49! (Just kidding!) I'm actually feeling pretty good these days, and yesterday received a clean bill of health from my six-month-is-my-cancer-still-gone checkup. Very good news! I am truly grateful, and I know I am very blessed. I was a lucky, lucky girl.<br />
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I usually don't like to spend too much time looking back ( regrets pile up too easily that way ), but the year just passed has had its share of good times, and I feel I should acknowledge them here before moving on to 2010.<br />
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For one thing, I started this blog! Six months ago, I didn't even know what a blog is, and now I am writing one, myself! I love having this little soapbox to stand on - Hear ye, hear ye!<br />
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I made lots of new friends at the Gemorama store, where I am still teaching chain maille, and enjoying every minute of it. Thanks so much to all of you - if you're reading this, you know who you are!<br />
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Also, I joined a great group of Etsy sellers in Etsy Project Embrace! Such a worthy cause, and such very nice people - Hey Ginny, hope all is well with you!<br />
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And, last but certainly not least, I got to meet my new cousins from Canada, and reconnect with my family in a way I haven't done since I was a wee Sue-tot. One way or another, I'll be seeing you next summer, Doris and Anise. I can hardly wait to get back to Ste. Antoine, and catch up with everyone!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhak9VilRJaNZuiKeKAYjLHd8w1ts8WJ5MdN4A2-CKq9kdaX347PlH8kjdrRCQ86R3Gwi3yWOsxGKymE9FSazxqyLlBNLttxSl4UuDWEw1weyTyBj3Y0vUWH5Y379kuKpw8JZxcV40CW-M/s1600-h/avatar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhak9VilRJaNZuiKeKAYjLHd8w1ts8WJ5MdN4A2-CKq9kdaX347PlH8kjdrRCQ86R3Gwi3yWOsxGKymE9FSazxqyLlBNLttxSl4UuDWEw1weyTyBj3Y0vUWH5Y379kuKpw8JZxcV40CW-M/s400/avatar.jpg" /></a>There's probably lots of stuff that I have forgotten to mention, but the most important thing that I would like to say here at the close of 2009 is that I wish one and all a Healthy, Happy, Prosperous and Peaceful New Year. If you're going out tonight, please take it easy and be careful - I'm counting on having you all around to enjoy 2010 with!Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00613186941325416801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757054303762147490.post-8716424580848269132009-12-27T10:49:00.001-05:002009-12-27T16:04:47.544-05:00SoopSee?Good morning, all! Very exciting news! I've just created a web site for Savoir Faire Creations. Please be patient, as I am still learning (very slo-o-o-w-w-w-ly) how to work it, but if you click on the I'm On SoopSee badge, you should be able to see it. Let me know what you think of the theme and format. I will be making changes as I learn, so stand by, it will probably look different from one day to the next as I am prone to changing my mind about things - a lot!<br />
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I've owned the SavoirFaireCreations.com domain name for quite a while, just never quite had the wherewithal to do much with it, except about a year ago when I had to chase a Canadian restaurant off of my domain! But that's a story for another time...Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00613186941325416801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757054303762147490.post-55991126158441244102009-12-24T18:47:00.000-05:002009-12-24T18:47:02.493-05:00Happy Holiday Wishes<b><span style="color: #990000;">Visions of sugar plums danced in their heads... <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAf2D3WaLaDkmVSukMuPOi2oeY8SONBIMcTZyALa2yEV4TQH5MSElWvrQK6PI1WrURgD-wSCIsg0_720sJnKV5B2CWC-fJU8W29RZpHSnV7UzVJjiQLnRNqJKbC3UbESpqcoVHkLE0NFo/s1600-h/sugarplums1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAf2D3WaLaDkmVSukMuPOi2oeY8SONBIMcTZyALa2yEV4TQH5MSElWvrQK6PI1WrURgD-wSCIsg0_720sJnKV5B2CWC-fJU8W29RZpHSnV7UzVJjiQLnRNqJKbC3UbESpqcoVHkLE0NFo/s320/sugarplums1.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b><span style="color: #990000;"> ...Or maybe it was rawhide bones! <br />
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<b><span style="color: #990000;">Wishing One and All A Very Happy Christmas, and A Healthy, Happy, and Prosperous New Year</span></b>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00613186941325416801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757054303762147490.post-17764542733671620462009-12-21T08:11:00.008-05:002009-12-21T08:33:53.296-05:00Found It!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09-Oc6h2MvOhb0VJ3p-riOa7DeMPmmwWBjOhVX67VDu53WSouSs9ERqHk4ApLtbmUPv5viigvLW__oEIncx9bZ11VT7AtFQ4w4rZDRCV0S4ne4UEtp4qj6-ptSNZktSImdwHVT1vD3d0/s1600-h/clean+desk+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09-Oc6h2MvOhb0VJ3p-riOa7DeMPmmwWBjOhVX67VDu53WSouSs9ERqHk4ApLtbmUPv5viigvLW__oEIncx9bZ11VT7AtFQ4w4rZDRCV0S4ne4UEtp4qj6-ptSNZktSImdwHVT1vD3d0/s320/clean+desk+001.jpg" /></a>Finally located my desk under all of the clutter - hey, it's green! As for the rest of the house, well, let's not go there! We had an enormous snowfall over the weekend. The third year in a row that we've had snow on the twentieth (my birthday). As a birthday gift, my wonderful family insisted that I stay indoors and be comfortable, while they took care of snow removal. Thank you, family! <br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsz-kv51L396SmDa5rvVk0Z-nGvu2WDrVOA4keOJzT0_fsj9quaHwGTLww7PxqtVgI0wMyBCLUs7kSmt5aVsUbXQBga76y7FqWXfTXp4BA0tM0mjHvGd9cje08-5a6j1kNka4aTe0FHY/s1600-h/byzantinegarnet4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsz-kv51L396SmDa5rvVk0Z-nGvu2WDrVOA4keOJzT0_fsj9quaHwGTLww7PxqtVgI0wMyBCLUs7kSmt5aVsUbXQBga76y7FqWXfTXp4BA0tM0mjHvGd9cje08-5a6j1kNka4aTe0FHY/s200/byzantinegarnet4.JPG" /></a>I have been busy, busy, busy the past few weeks. The fall semester at Massasoit Community College just ended, and I am looking forward to having some time to get my house in order, and to get back to work chainmailling and making some metal clay charms. I have managed to squeeze in a few projects during all of the last minute madness of Christmas; I just had to make a chain for this beautiful Garnet and Marcasite pendant. I thought that it had a sort of medieval look to it, and that the Byzantine Y would be perfect for it. Do you agree?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4mYQySFUf3FR9ud3OymkCByHHSOr2MTMXDdhrw-3hZgPc3Ad1LNVxPyX4K23i_2vbw7apxfkgUd-9hOnokW1BCbdCHG871vLJkyIJeG2qVEo9W1P5fFoS2txEm4l3jpBCzRfz2PxH0c/s1600-h/romanhookandeye1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4mYQySFUf3FR9ud3OymkCByHHSOr2MTMXDdhrw-3hZgPc3Ad1LNVxPyX4K23i_2vbw7apxfkgUd-9hOnokW1BCbdCHG871vLJkyIJeG2qVEo9W1P5fFoS2txEm4l3jpBCzRfz2PxH0c/s200/romanhookandeye1.JPG" /></a><br />
Also, finally came up with a suitable chain for this Roman Glass hook and eye clasp. Yep, you guessed it - another Columbus Chain! I hate to repeat myself, but it does seem to suit the clasp quite well.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyvTGWnVnxL7UbWAody_1nUzCDHpxEni7cEdnQV6fd14nRfn2Q5qURx35oRrvsHuXTBRrJnxuhK2IBTUvCU3M5acq11yvngzeybd9sq7CiAkBbiI6S-AJYucvJemMRUtM0YOa9d6qtXk/s1600-h/jenspindroman4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyvTGWnVnxL7UbWAody_1nUzCDHpxEni7cEdnQV6fd14nRfn2Q5qURx35oRrvsHuXTBRrJnxuhK2IBTUvCU3M5acq11yvngzeybd9sq7CiAkBbiI6S-AJYucvJemMRUtM0YOa9d6qtXk/s200/jenspindroman4.JPG" /></a> And, last but not least, this Jens Pind chain. This is a weave that I puzzled over for months and months. I wanted to understand it, but somehow, I just couldn't. Then one day, the light dawned at last, and voila! It was just as easy as it could be! Go figure... I must say though, that the tiny rings required by the aspect ratio of this weave make it a very painstaking project to undertake. Worth it , I think, when all is said and done, but not a chain to finish in an hour or two.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am intending to post again before Christmas, but in case I don't get a chance to say it before then, I'm wishing for a Wonderful Christmas season, and a Happy, Healthy, Prosperous, Peaceful New Year for all. Cheers!<br />
</div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00613186941325416801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757054303762147490.post-35717241976362980392009-12-04T15:26:00.002-05:002009-12-04T15:30:58.184-05:00The Hurrier I Go, The Behinder I Get!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3uG5ePWW0L5pZWsLAoJT5fhyphenhyphen4-miJ726iYEbG9vgRLj_dl9QNsWHNR_V8BYprVmkMNh2GThkd_zRvN66sqHIG9xWu7tpq0rIF3aaXPOJR_xJ2HttJdI1uIAqJSoefypHsmoveqOrdzU/s1600-h/messydesk+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3uG5ePWW0L5pZWsLAoJT5fhyphenhyphen4-miJ726iYEbG9vgRLj_dl9QNsWHNR_V8BYprVmkMNh2GThkd_zRvN66sqHIG9xWu7tpq0rIF3aaXPOJR_xJ2HttJdI1uIAqJSoefypHsmoveqOrdzU/s320/messydesk+001.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>If a clean desk is a sign of a sick mind, I've got nothing to worry about! Between school and dogs and catching a cold, and the holidays, there doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day to get everything done. Like the White Rabbit, I feel as if I am always running around declaring: "I'm late, I'm late!"<br />
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I have decided, however, to take some much needed <b style="color: #990000;"><i>Sue</i></b><span style="color: #660000;"> </span>time, and put together some chains and metal clay items. First on the agenda is a sterling silver Columbus Chain. To call this weave slinky doesn't do it justice. Perfect for a bracelet, it lies flat against the wrist, and curves in a sinuous slither, terminating in a beautiful sun shaped toggle clasp. It still needs to be tumble polished, but is otherwise ready to be posted to Etsy.<br />
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Next up, are these Ionic Column toggles. I have paired this one with a Byzantine Chain. I love these toggles, the column hangs like a charm, and I'm thinking it will look great on a necklace, with ancient Roman or Phoenician Glass Beads.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0Scw93EpKdvYz_AbWIAiHViSS8bWl00ivEMnhBsfVXeNufKB__d2qgzOgxfO5c0MqdLw6X4J29ennPCW1xgsjHz0L3CXmWCweBe-oTcW8SeJRtxrso29oE6-z0pRUh9tGZd1iH7mYxA/s1600-h/futureprojects+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0Scw93EpKdvYz_AbWIAiHViSS8bWl00ivEMnhBsfVXeNufKB__d2qgzOgxfO5c0MqdLw6X4J29ennPCW1xgsjHz0L3CXmWCweBe-oTcW8SeJRtxrso29oE6-z0pRUh9tGZd1iH7mYxA/s320/futureprojects+004.jpg" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSLlAOuhNt7Wtsf4KOhyphenhyphenj6Hflhc-WWNL4nfVqdWdRU_MUrbEkON3kGN7B3D5it1X1Q7Ulh19viv769ajZp-OgQ0DeGMwxQWpkZmADQz0k6RpOlcXUSO4dz_xodSl_bXPAhbKykBY5F18/s1600-h/futureprojects+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSLlAOuhNt7Wtsf4KOhyphenhyphenj6Hflhc-WWNL4nfVqdWdRU_MUrbEkON3kGN7B3D5it1X1Q7Ulh19viv769ajZp-OgQ0DeGMwxQWpkZmADQz0k6RpOlcXUSO4dz_xodSl_bXPAhbKykBY5F18/s320/futureprojects+006.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>Staying with an antiquities theme, I am trying to decide what to do with this Roman Glass hook and eye set which, oddly enough, acutally look like a pair of eyes to me.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYuMZ29vSfqBUIGdKvtx3yOwqdzryV-W9Mm2HzK9GR0DmDzU0ppiTRlMVZMLMbftLfIobWqUk6Ajpx3wYKrkNpoyeWqcdjzau8gq5KEbcUJ_BzhPI5ub9ivfqMqpaVVQ1vqJvj0ISpqc/s1600-h/futureprojects+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYuMZ29vSfqBUIGdKvtx3yOwqdzryV-W9Mm2HzK9GR0DmDzU0ppiTRlMVZMLMbftLfIobWqUk6Ajpx3wYKrkNpoyeWqcdjzau8gq5KEbcUJ_BzhPI5ub9ivfqMqpaVVQ1vqJvj0ISpqc/s320/futureprojects+003.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>Last, but not least, is all of the Marcasite that I bought a little while ago. I don't know what it is about Marcasite that I love so much, but love it I do! It would be wonderful to make the chains for all of these great pieces, and get them ready in time for the holidays, but time is slipping by, and I don't know if I will get it all done by then.<br />
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Sometimes I wish there were two of me: one to take care of all of the responsible stuff like laundry and groceries and work; and one to play with the fun, creative stuff like chain maille and metal clay and hand made books and paper engineering and... well, you get the idea!Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00613186941325416801noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757054303762147490.post-84317151534505975632009-11-07T13:44:00.004-05:002009-11-07T14:05:33.194-05:003rd Edition: Chain Maille Tips and Tricks<div class="" style="clear: both; color: #cc0000; text-align: left;"><b>Polishing</b><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One question that comes up often during chain maille classes at the Gemorama concerns the optimal way to clean and de-bur chain maille jewelry. In my opinion, the very best method is tumble polishing. Not nearly as complicated as it may sound, using a rock tumbler, stainless steel shot, and some burnishing compound, (which can usually be purchased wherever you normally buy your jewelry supplies), is the easiest and most effective way to clean, polish and harden the metal in your jewelry designs.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1dSUAA14H-lVlq2aCgeXZ2qAz0A53hb-T8DpqV7ABSTtSOlEMw4xKyd5B0KNr-_hkRAsLv3eeluPBZ5gsVMO93au9LPsHDr_hbFbvLFSCYtMnp4ghC1cVePOEqtxRvqRybwp_ziMTLhw/s1600-h/polishing+015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1dSUAA14H-lVlq2aCgeXZ2qAz0A53hb-T8DpqV7ABSTtSOlEMw4xKyd5B0KNr-_hkRAsLv3eeluPBZ5gsVMO93au9LPsHDr_hbFbvLFSCYtMnp4ghC1cVePOEqtxRvqRybwp_ziMTLhw/s200/polishing+015.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjll9AvhKRV9GTh1HmBuWkwV4jJq7vw6ZG2EeBwqDY8xEvCTtNRWFc-y6xHDmk9876Bv4hlUZtcmcXVS8ftTLNrHc9NpnQ8tGwkgOFZMumsDGazUvE8cuxXTE1KAIuRG9KknaEaS8hmWGk/s1600-h/polishing+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjll9AvhKRV9GTh1HmBuWkwV4jJq7vw6ZG2EeBwqDY8xEvCTtNRWFc-y6xHDmk9876Bv4hlUZtcmcXVS8ftTLNrHc9NpnQ8tGwkgOFZMumsDGazUvE8cuxXTE1KAIuRG9KknaEaS8hmWGk/s200/polishing+001.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuoeGRTBhWEzNzBXpm9MgAvvvll2Ku7kG_3FGQil1f5QtjMnJmoIKCVR9fjsn9wwYgf34WY4FD2DQ97o-KB-iIoMuQdTc-WScdlyaZs1ZHI-Z_rquJO75wNPFe8L3KcuEX0F6fdlqGy3w/s1600-h/polishing+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuoeGRTBhWEzNzBXpm9MgAvvvll2Ku7kG_3FGQil1f5QtjMnJmoIKCVR9fjsn9wwYgf34WY4FD2DQ97o-KB-iIoMuQdTc-WScdlyaZs1ZHI-Z_rquJO75wNPFe8L3KcuEX0F6fdlqGy3w/s200/polishing+012.jpg" /></a>Pictured here are the Rio tumbler that I use, and two pounds of stainless steel shot, which is comprised of five shapes: round, tube shaped, one that looks a little like a flying saucer, a tube with angled ends, and a needle like shape with a sharp point on each end. You might think that putting your latest masterpiece in a rotating bucket with stainless steel needles and things would scratch and dent your work. Not so! The tumbling action is actually very gentle, and will only polish and harden the metal by tumbling against it. It is even possible to tumble some beads without damage, although I would caution you to experiment first with one or two beads before putting the whole piece in to be tumbled.<br />
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You may have seen directions elsewhere on the internet that say to only put an inch or two of water in the tumbler barrel. I have found that this method doesn't work at all for me - maybe we have extra hard water or something - I usually fill the barrel almost full, leaving about an inch or so of space at the top. A capful of burnishing compound does a much better job than Dawn, at least in my experience.<br />
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I like to set the tumbler on the kitchen counter near the sink. That way, if the cap on the tumbler barrel were to leak, the water would drain down into the sink. That's the theory, anyway! Obviously, the usual precautions should be used when using electrical equipment near a source of water. I put an old dish towel under the tumbler to absorb any drips, and to cushion the tumbler base on the counter, so it won't scratch anything.<br />
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For quick clean ups, on previously tumbled jewelry, I use Wright's Brass Polish, which I buy at my local grocery store. This works like a charm on every kind of metal that I have tried so far, although I would be very careful about using it on gemstones and beads. I hold the piece in the palm of my hand, pour a little brass polish on it and rub it around for a few seconds. A thorough rinse afterward will remove any residue. One note of caution: ammonia seems to be the main ingredient of this polish; please take any necessary precautions to avoid injury - you may find it irritating to the skin and eyes! As with all harsh cleansers, common sense should prevail.<br />
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Rock tumblers are available through jewelry supply chains, hardware stores and hobby shops. It would be wise to shop around a bit before making a purchase. You might even be able to find a suitable tumbler on E-Bay.<br />
Happy Tumbling!Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00613186941325416801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757054303762147490.post-23524209236916565892009-10-24T16:51:00.001-04:002009-10-24T17:54:19.031-04:00Computer Fun!Another rainy Saturday...sigh. But, because I have mountains of work piled up everywhere, and because I don't feel like doing any of it, I've been having a bit of fun with my computer, and have added a few goodies to the blog. If you look in the sidebar to the right, you may notice that I have added a 360 degree view of our neighborhood. Pretty cool! I must admit, these photos are pretty old - we don't have the camper in the driveway anymore, and the new doors and shutters are not in the picture. But I guess you will get the idea. You can zoom in and out using the buttons on the widget, and see the whole neighborhood by clicking on the arrows. What will they think of next?<br />
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Also, I've written a book! It's a shameless piece of self promotion, but it was a lot of fun to make, and I'm really looking forward to seeing it in print. You can preview the book by clicking on the book icon in the sidebar. Now that I am an "authoress", I am thinking of writing a few more books with tutorials for chain maille and metal clay. That should soothe my frustrated writer's soul!<br />
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And, last but not least, take a look at my Flickr and Red Bubble widgets. If you click on them, you can go directly to my Flickr page or my Red Bubble page, and view my photo albums. Red Bubble even gives you the opportunity to buy a print on a greeting card, poster, or t shirt. If you do go, please leave a comment or two. I can use the feedback!Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00613186941325416801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757054303762147490.post-64426291027621752992009-10-18T09:31:00.006-04:002009-10-18T10:36:58.366-04:00Rainy Days, Big Lazy Dogs and A Little Soap Box<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfnFXkA5xbizwxyoqDAy3mhGDDVSeo7qEjB-XXnUbcB-sEJASo1KuOn_GwSs0Tj5zjZkM3xkygNDtT1ZWIlyFRT3x25hjnhkq3E2o_XS0FfFMcUwbJIIsIlkyI4zT6GMq04m5PedxpMc/s1600-h/rainraingoaway6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfnFXkA5xbizwxyoqDAy3mhGDDVSeo7qEjB-XXnUbcB-sEJASo1KuOn_GwSs0Tj5zjZkM3xkygNDtT1ZWIlyFRT3x25hjnhkq3E2o_XS0FfFMcUwbJIIsIlkyI4zT6GMq04m5PedxpMc/s320/rainraingoaway6.jpg" /></a>Rain, rain, go away... Woke up this morning to dreary gray skies, steady rain, and raw, chilly temperatures. Seems like a good day to curl up somewhere comfortable with a mug of hot chocolate, and a good book! <br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I guess Sunny has the right idea! She's not supposed to be up on the sofa, but she looks so comfortable, I don't have the heart to shoo her off. Thank goodness for slipcovers!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7KZfX5EmiGxJZEp-ga5oKi9TegWu7gHNfk8BWovD4ElX1avoO41JcVjvt_ECQUEwcuoGEd2XTPK_VGLcRTia-q92wuTjiWWD_8zBX3qu4E2LdZAhrLaHoK_6ozHbi2e7VFulY8oAggWk/s1600-h/biglazydog+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7KZfX5EmiGxJZEp-ga5oKi9TegWu7gHNfk8BWovD4ElX1avoO41JcVjvt_ECQUEwcuoGEd2XTPK_VGLcRTia-q92wuTjiWWD_8zBX3qu4E2LdZAhrLaHoK_6ozHbi2e7VFulY8oAggWk/s320/biglazydog+001.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This morning I wanted to write a little about an Etsy team that I have just joined called Project Embrace. This team started as an effort to support a fellow Etsian, Laura Slocum, who was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer. It has since blossomed into a team that donates money earned by members from their Etsy sales to the American Cancer Society. A very worthy cause. And by the way, by all reports, Laura is doing well and is in remission! Atta Girl, Laura!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Having lost several family members to this terrible disease, and suffered with it myself, I desperately want to support any efforts to eradicate it completely. It seems that there is almost no person who has not been touched by it. I have a guilty little confession to make: when I see and hear all of the hype and hoopla surrounding October/Breast Cancer month, I feel a little disappointed. There is no "month" for women with Ovarian, Endometrial, Cervical, etc., etc. cancers, even though women are getting them, and dying from them just the same. I have a feeling that one reason might be that the surgeries for these kinds of cancer don't alter the outward appearance in the way that breast cancer does. After all, when I had my "girly parts" removed, I didn't look any different, except for the scar on my belly. It seems to me that all cancers are devastating. No one wants to hear their doctor say those words, and I think that we all fear it. The good news is that more and more people are surviving and winning the fight against it. Please think about donating something to the American Cancer Society, Stand Up To Cancer, Gilda's Club, or some other support group. We're all in the same boat here, we sink or swim together. <br />
</div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00613186941325416801noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5757054303762147490.post-32293776697530632152009-10-13T18:37:00.000-04:002009-10-13T18:37:14.116-04:00Etsy For CharityIf you are looking for a great way to give back and shop some very cool stuff, please take a look at Etsy For Charity, a group of crafty people who donate the proceeds from their work to help others.<br />
Here's the link: <a href="http://etsyforcharity.etsy.com/">etsyforcharity.etsy.com</a>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00613186941325416801noreply@blogger.com0