Goodbye 2008, Hello 2009!

Hello!

I hope everyone is enjoying the holidays! It feels like the lull here after the storm. It was such a frenzy leading up to Christmas that it’s nice to enjoy this slower pace before the kids start school next week and our routine starts all over.

With just one more day left in 2008, I’ve been reflecting over the past year. 2008 really was jam packed with activities and events. Some of the highlights I’m most thankful for are all of the trips we took to the beach over the summer, our first trip to Disney World with my parents….and most importantly, 2008 was special because of the birth of our little Nathaniel in October (right in the midst of a big move!). I’m excited about a new year and what it has in store.

I’m definitely one for change, mixing it up, a little excitement. sweet bead studio is ready for some new jewelry styles….that means new techniques and mediums. Guilty of getting bored easily, I’m eager to learn something new. I’ve stockpiled a few new books in the last couple of months on metal and what’s called “cold connections”, and I’m ready to learn and give it a try! I think this is the perfect direction to go when working with wire. I’ve signed up for a class in the Spring at Art and Soul retreat in Hampton, VA. Check out their line up of mixed media workshops….wow, so many I would love to take. I am just so excited to be signed up for a metals/jewelry class. For now I’ve been pouring over my books and lining up the tools I’ll be needing. I plan to order my tools from a fellow wireworker and online friend’s new shop, fundametals.

Speaking of trying new things, it’s about time I shared a piece of jewelry here. Here is a wild wire and lampwork pendant that I made this fall. I’ve always wanted to try making a Connie Fox-balamun-style pendant. Step by Step Wire featured this wire pendant tutorial by Sally Stevens and here is my twist on the technique. I used 16, 18, 20 and 22 gauge sterling silver wire, and everything is hand made including the wire links. The black beads are lampwork glass and the focal bead is by Kim Typanski (sure wish she was still making beads!). The necklace was oxidized with liver of sulphur, polished and tumbled. There you go, my last piece of jewelry for 2008!