artBLISS Workshops

Sterling Silver and Turquoise Ring made by ME!

Two weekends ago, my husband and two sons headed down to Sterling, VA so I could attend a couple of classes by artBLISS and they could sightsee in D.C.. The first class was "Who is Afraid of the Big, Bad Saw?" instructed by Martina Stein. I made myself take this class as sawing is not my favorite thing in the world. It turns out I wasn't the only one in this category. Got some great tips on how you should sit while sawing and how/where to position the material.

Richard Salley and Martina Stein

The second full day class was "Southwest Wings" instructed by Richard Salley and assisted by Martina Stein. I had been wanting to take a class like this for so long. I've played around with soldering and had made one simple ring but really wanted hands-on instruction. This class did not disappoint! Richard and Martina are so approachable and very knowledgeable. I'm so glad I was able to attend. Of course I ended up wishing I had taken more classes that were offered.

I have to say everyone who attended these classes were so nice and funny. Last but not least are the two women behind artBLISS: Jeanette Blix Ryan and Cindy Wimmer. They did such a fantastic job organizing all of the great workshops, answering questions, arranging/ordering lunch and I'm sure a whole lot more behind the scenes duties. Their hard work has helped so many advance their jewelry-making skills. I'm so appreciative that they decided to start their artBLISS venture.

Who Knew?

Who knew that a couple of the pendants I purchased recently from Jade Scott contained colors in Pantone's 2012 Color Trends? What a co-inky-dink! Not that I live and breath for what designers say is in but I'll allow myself to feel like I have some kind of [false] validation. Is that so wrong?

Final Craft Show of the Year

Getting ready for my last show of 2011. Hope to have a good showing at least tomorrow. I have a feeling that the Black Friday shoppers will be too tired to come out tonight...

If you're in the area, stop by and pop in to support the local artisans!
Happy shopping!!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year...

'Tis the season for supporting your local artists! Visit craft fairs in your area and get one-of-kind gifts for your friends and family.

I will be at two of the upcoming local art shows in my area. This weekend I will be at the Chenango Valley High School for their annual craft fair. Stop by and say hello!

Will Someone Please Turn Off the Faucet?

Here is a glimpse of parts of the Southern Tier of New York state. Tropical Storm Lee was not too kind and dumped a lot of water on us the past couple of days. Many roads and businesses are closed due to the flooding. In many areas this is worse than it was in 2006 which had historic levels of flooding.

Pictured above is a nearby pub that we go to. The water is past the door handle. To the right is a shed used by the golf course (that is flooded in the background) that is tipped. The picture below that is the regular size pail I had on the back deck. It was full and overflowing this morning.

Here is the road that leads from our neighborhood (located up the hill in the background) to school. First day of school - canceled.

Here water is coming up from the Chenango River over Upper Front Street.

This is the parking lot of WalMart located in Vestal.

(Thanks to Daniele and Felicia for a couple of the photos.)

I wish a speedy recovery to those affected by the flood...

A Penchant for Pendants

I looked through my stash the other day and saw how many pendants I have and realized I needed to stop hoarding and start using them. (Yes, I have a problem. I have a hard time letting go. Is it bad that I stare at my collections and coo "My pretties."? Please don't call the authorities. Yet...)

The necklace on the left came about from starting a bracelet using the same turquoise bead but that was about the only similarity. It features a beautiful pendant made by Nancy Schindler of Round Rabbit.

I always marvel at how you can start out making one thing and somewhere along the way you take a left turn and you have something completely different! Later on, I did end up making the bracelet I had initially planned.

This czech glass melon bead chain was perfect to complement the colors in Jade Scott's cute owl pendant. I have quite a few of both artists' pieces in my stash. I plan on using more of them in upcoming projects if I can deal with my pack rat tendencies...

Greene's Annual Arts & Crafts Festival

I will be at Greene's Annual Arts & Crafts Festival once again this year. It is tomorrow, July 23th, from 9:00AM - 4:00PM. My tent will be in the same place as last year. (The map, above, shows a portion of the festival's layout and where I will be located: Booth 206.)