Extra Exciting News!

this is news i have been sitting on since February . do you know how hard it is to sit on fun and exciting news? it's hard to do!

So what's the news? i am excited to announce that i was asked to be the newest design team member of Objects and Elements (tool and supplies for the mixed media artist). it all started in late January when i was at CHA, "walking the show" as Suze Weinberg encouraged me to do (thank you Suze for the encouragement!) I didn't go there with any agenda, but to meet people, wear my jewelry, find jewelry resources, meet up with friends, see family and per the usual, have fun and enjoy the moment! and i did have a lovely time. it was overwhelming how much talking i did, how many people stopped me to look at my jewelry or to tell me that they loved my pigtails (Melody!), run into Jenny Doh and taking the incentive to introduce myself. It was a busy, whirlwind few days and worth every second of time i took to be there. I still consider myself very green to the art world and their enthusiasm and praise for my jewelry is so encouraging and amazing. it has lead me to teaching opportunities and now this. i am grateful for friends like, Barbe and others, who believe in me. So after spending some time at the O&E booth, speaking with Susan, Linda, Jen (our den mother), Kristen and Barbe ( Deryn and Jane weren't there) and then also having the confidence to take out my portfolio and say, "want to see more"? (remember the previous post about this whole topic of learning to self promote?)- i feel that i have EARNED this and that my friends, is a very satisfying feeling.
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here is my first piece of jewelry that i created using items that can be found at Objects and Elements.com. I really wanted to create a piece with this darling "french baby" charm. i love dolls and use them a lot in my art, so i couldn't wait to "play doll" with her. She was laid in a open back bezel and then secured with ice resin. all of these items can be found on the website.

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Now for the fun stuff! i've decided to do a giveaway for the first piece that i designed for Objects and Elements. In my eyes, it is the perfect way to celebrate my introduction. So, all you need to do is leave a comment here on the Object and Elements blog.

the next product i look forward to playing with their new staple bezel. i see alot of potential with these and my use of vintage found objects.

stayed tune for some cool things happening at Objects and Elements. this rapidly growing company has a lot up their sleeves and i'm happy to be along for the ride!

a goodbye gift

tucker's teacher is leaving his school for another job. :( we are bummed, but only wish the best for her. she was great with tucker; very caring, concerned and attentive. i made one of my signature "patchwork of love" pendants as her going away gift.

also please stop by and visit my friend, Deryn's blog. she is holding an auction of one of her beautiful necklaces on her blog with proceeds going to Hope for Haiti. To place a bid, just go to comments and enter the amount you wish to bid. currently the bidding is at $70.

there currently isn't anything in her etsy shoppe at the moment, but Rebecca Sower, who has ties to Haiti will be adding some items soon with sales also going towards "Hope for Haiti".

****if you are one of the bidders for Deryn's auction, please leave me a comment here to be entered in my "patchwork of love" pendant giveaway. the winner will be able to pick her own word to go inside the pendant.****

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.