by Cindy on August 12, 2009
Hello friends
If you create jewelry, you’re seeing this all over right now. Stamps. Metal. This combination is BIG right now, and I can see why. When you work with metal, you can shape it in to whatever you want it to be (well, maybe not…I made a heart 4 times until I was happy with the shape…then proceeded to lose it between my house and the car). And working with stamps – I have yet to master them – but they are so much fun. Saying whatever you want! Whacking away with a hammer to create something completely personalized. That’s what I’ve been up to lately.
Back in May I attended Art and Soul in Hampton (you may remember this post). I sat next to a wonderful gal from NY…she was the kind of person that just radiates energy. We’ve kept in touch, and she nominated me in to a group called Charmsters. This group of artists dream up some really neat charm swaps with themes – like Summertime Blues, Heavy Metal, Love and Peace …. I just finished my first charms to swap and plan to put these in the mail tomorrow. The theme was “Say it with Metal”. I made 17 charms using copper sheet, really cool flower design stamps (that you can find here at fundametals.net), and then I oxidized, polished and tumbled them. I was happy to see them all packaged up and ready to go. When I receive my swap charms, I’ll be sure to share pictures here.
Bloom {where you are planted}
All ready to go
My next project lately has been my Family Necklace. I made one of these mixed metal necklaces for a good friend recently, and wanted to create one for myself ever since. Again I used copper, sterling and brass sheet. Some of the charms I shaped myself, and the others I purchased. I plan to redo a few of them, they’re far from perfect…but I’m going for that organic look! 🙂 I’ve included my children and my husband’s names, my Grandmother’s names, our wedding date, our last name initial and my monogram. I like the jingle …and instead of wearing my heart on my sleeve, I’m wearing it around my neck.
Familly Charms
I’m using my new camera for the first time in these pictures. Would you believe I left my camera at the beach? I’ll get it when we go back before the end of summer. It’s about time I started using my Mother’s Day gift, wouldn’t you say? 🙂
by Cindy on August 8, 2009
Playing in the sun can really wipe you out. Just look at my little guy! I couldn’t believe it when he fell asleep sitting upright on my lap. At times like this, I was able to sneak in a little beach reading. And I’m not talking about mindless romance novels, no! I had my copy of Blogging For Bliss by Tara Frey tucked in my tote bag and finished reading it today.
I really enjoyed reading the interviews with bloggers sprinkled throughout the book. It was insightful to read how others got started with their blogs….whether they have committed to blogging daily or only when they feel like it…how they chose their blog names….what blogs they read themselves… It’s been fun discovering new blogs ~ here are a few favorites: Artsy Mama, Blessed and Distressed, and Rebecca Sower. There are still more I would like to visit.
Even though I’ve been blogging for 2 years…I have so much to learn yet. I’ve been a bit of a casual blogger, combining both my little world of jewelry design with tidbits about my family life. And through this online endeavor, I’ve met so many incredible people who share similar passions. I’ve been reminded in reading Tara’s book about what makes a blog one that readers enjoy visiting….a big part seems to be in the pictures. I’m sure you’re not surprised. When you think of your favorite blogs, I bet they include lots of pretty pictures. Tara shared her findings from her own online poll, and reported that 91% would rather see a picture in the blog post that doesn’t “match” the post rather than no picture at all! Good thing I was lucky enough to get one of those 30 spaces in Susan Tuttle’s upcoming VisualPoetry workshop…I need all of the photography help I can get! 🙂 {I am so excited about that workshop and will share more when it starts next month}.
If you haven’t picked this book yet, check it out! Especially if you’re new to the scene and thinking of starting your own blog. This one has hit the tops on the Amazon charts in the crafts category.
Thank you for stopping by my humble little blog…it sure means a lot to me!
Have a great weekend!
by Cindy on August 6, 2009
Hello friends
Just checking in with you from the beach. You know I couldn’t stay away for long. I’m just popping in to share a great blog give away from Cindy of Cindy’s Art and Soul. Here’s your chance to win a $50 gift certificate to be used in one of her shops. She creates amazing wire and metal jewelry and sells supplies and components for jewelry designers. Stop by and try your luck!
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