Round Robin necklace returns home

Well, after being away for almost 10 months, my round robin necklace has returned. it started off with me picking my theme and then creating the focal image. my theme was "renaissance woman". I soldered a 2x2 square with my image and also added some lace and a red bird feather. from there it was sent off to all the participants who would then add to it. i chose to rework the necklace (for balance) after it arrived home as their were so many pieces and most of them of the large side. i've made it so that the other pieces that aren't currently on the necklace can be changed as i want. i also added the keys and crown charms since i felt it needed more texture. the bottom charm was a charm that i really loved, but couldn't seem to get it to work anywhere up higher on the necklace, so i hung it on some tiny pearl chain and dangled it with the keys and i think it is perfect there. i wore it to work the other day and its definitely a show stopper. it makes a lovely jangly noise as i move about. thanks to all the Charmsters who participated.

Key swap

I'm in a key themed swap with my Charmsters group, hosted by my friend, Laurel. In addition to my key, i chose to pair the key with a tiny little house (aka Monopoly hotel)). i collaged the little houses while i was with Pam in Florida (great rainy day project). i even ran out of houses, so we decided to hit a thrift store for a monopoly game, which we found - so that was cool to be able to finish them. i also added the word sweet, as in "home sweet home" (Pam's suggestion was for me to use the word "foreclosure"!) just need to get them packaged and they'll be ready to go.

i'm almost read to start sorting the ornaments for the Easter swap i am hosting. just waiting on a few more boxes.

my laptop is still down. guess i'll call Dell tomorrow. just haven't had time since getting back home. but i did get our new computer for downstairs ordered (with XP pre installed!). tomorrow i will post some pictures of my booth for Artnsoul, Hampton. i've been designing it over the last few days. since i am driving, i will be able to bring fun stuff to make a really fun and creative booth.

Deryn Mentock workshop alert!

My friend and fellow charmster, Denise is hosting a workshop with guest artist, Deryn Mentock. all the information about the workshop is below and you can check out pictures from the workshop at Denise's blog. alas, i won't be able to go, but wanted to give it a plug

so that more people find out about it.

Joujou WorkshopPublished September 10, 2008 Art , Class , Jewelry , Workshop
Joujou Charm Necklace and EarringsA magical workshop featuring artist, Deryn Mentock
Oui! Let’s play! A juju is a charm or amulet with “magical” powers. The word “juju” is derived from the French word joujou meaning “toy” or “plaything.” In this class, we’ll spend a fun first day playing with charms. We’ll assemble all sorts of joujou charms and create a beautiful charm keeper pendant designed to hold them.
Saturday and Sunday, October 19 & 20, 2008 9:00 AM – 4:00 PMHillsboro, Oregon
Deryn will show how to create mica and paper charms, a glass vial charm, and her special wire bird’s nest charm published by Stampington in Belle Armoire Jewelry. She’ll also demonstrate a transfer to glass technique using a chandelier crystal that we’ll turn into a charm. Students will learn jewelry making basics such as how to make perfect jump rings but they’ll also learn how to make twisted wire jump rings, s-links, rosary style links and wire wrapped dangles. On day two, we’ll finish the necklace by incorporating a beautiful piece of silk using wrapped ends and learn how to make a strong hook and eye clasp to finish the piece. Deryn will also demonstrate how to properly make ear wires and we’ll make at least one pair of earrings to match our joujou necklace.
Workshop Fee: $250
Please email to register. Workshop fee includes two days of instruction and fun, delicious lunches and light refreshments. Class size is limited and will be reserved on a first come/first served basis. Registration is prepaid and non-refundable. Payment will be made using Paypal. Supply list will be provided upon registration. Registration is not complete until payment in full is received. In case of unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to acts of God, we reserve the right to cancel this event, in which case, workshop fees will be reimbursed in full.