Learning A New Skill

I have wanted to learn to enamel on metal for so long, but I was always afraid to dive in.  I thought I would need to buy all of this expensive equipment - a bigger kiln, trivets, enameling fork, and on and on.  Oh how happy I was to find out I could do it with just my torch and a bead mandrel!! 

Thanks to a wonderful friend, Ginger, who is also an amazing jewelry artist http://www.etsy.com/shop/LeBeauPapillon; I have found a new addiction!!

This technique turned out to be so much easier than I thought it would be and the results are just amazing!  I love watching the color come alive as the piece cools off.  The possibilities are endless!! 

Now everything I look at I wonder if it can be enameled!!  lol

Etched brass

Etched brass, a photo by lorielynn1 on Flickr.

A brass square that I etched with French wording and an etched brass open heart.

New Year Resolutions

Ok, I quit making New Year Resolutions a long time ago because I never kept them.  That being said, I am going to try again this year (I feel the stress already!).  My New Year Resolution is to blog more often - There, I said it!!!  

I absolutely LOVE reading other people's blogs and then I end up thinking about my own poor neglected blog.  I don't know why I procrastinate so bad when it comes to writing in my blog - Maybe I just don't feel like I have anything interesting to say - at least not interesting enough that other people will actually want to read it.  But, I am going to put my feelings of inadequacy aside and write in my blog at least once a week.  (I'm starting to sweat!)  

Ok, here goes:

I decided before Christmas that I really needed to take a break to regain my sanity.  I made a decision to stay away from the studio and not think about jewelry making for at least 2 weeks.  That plan isn't working out so well because I keep having these "ideas" bouncing around in my head and then I think, "Oh, I'll just take a minute and jot this down", and then I'm on the computer looking for supplies..................you get the idea!  

I'm already 1 week into my break and I haven't gotten a single thing done around my house that I was going to do.  I had really BIG plans - paint the living room and kitchen, catch up on mending, make curtains for the dining room and living room, refinish pieces that I want to sell in my booth at Oregon Street Antique Mall.........  The reality is:  I've gone shopping (a few times!), I've done some crocheting, reading, jotting down jewelry ideas, sitting with the dogs, and messing around on the computer. I have slipped a little cleaning and cooking in there so I don't feel totally worthless!

It has felt soooooooooooooo good to just be kind of lazy!  I always go full speed 10-12 hours a day and I am actually enjoying not feeling like I ALWAYS have to be doing something constructive. 

Hopefully I won't get too used to it!!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!  

I Am Being Featured

I am so very excited about being featured in Great Finds  madeformebyoaklie.com/greatfinds.html.  You will find a button to the right of this post that you can click on that will take you to a voting area.  If I win I will receive a free ad by Helping Hands Graphic Design or a custom banner set for my  shop.I can also win  a free featured spot on The Gift Shop Handmade Directory and the On Fire Gift Guide scrolling marquees. 

I feel so honored to be included with so many amazing and talented artists. 

Please check it out tomorrow - October 29th.  I would love to have your vote if you feel my piece is the best.  Thank you so much. 

Shop right from the blog

You can now shop for anything that is in our Artfire store right here from the blog with Rapid Cart. 

Backyard Fun

What a wonderful night it was!  The Nest's Backyard Soiree - Wonderful, amazing, talented vendors, a beautiful backyard, yummy nibbles, and to die for blackberry margaritas!!!  I don't think it gets any better than this. 

We had amazing jewelry

Wonderful vintage items from pillows to furniture

It was so much fun and we got to spend time with amazing friends - and even made a few sales!!  Diane and Monica of The Nest  are awesome!!!