In progress

I've finally gotten started on some new beads, this time I'm putting some stamping on them. They are just so fun to make, there's is definitely a satisfaction after making these.

Also have a few pairs of earrings and a necklace in the works. Time to get super busy in the studio. The Plaza art fair in September will be here before I know it.

ideas

Working on some earring ideas for the Plaza art fair this fall. I was looking at my calendar yesterday and realized that I only have like 14 more weeks to prepare for this!! My inventory is pretty much nil right now other than a few brooches from last years Brooch A Day challenge.

I've still been working on trying to clean my studio and get old supplies packed and donated that I'm realizing I am just not going to touch. Managed to clear off a bit more space from my bench top last night which makes me feel sooo much better.

Bryan and I have been putting together an engraving area in the studio this week as well. I'm anxious to add this new element into my pieces(and get Bryan more involved with the jewelry!) He really took to the engraving well when we were at GRS 2 weeks ago for a week long intensive class on engraving.

Are you learning any new techniques or taking fun classes/workshops this summer?  I'd love to hear about them!

The making of a tiara

A couple of months back I was invited by Phoenix Gallery in Lawrence,Kansas to participate in a challenge to create accessories for a vintage gown. I always love a challenge like this and immediately accepted. I was given a photo of this cute 1950's party dress to design for and my first thought upon seeing it was rockabilly queen!

I knew that I would want to do a double bird necklace but had originally pictured it more like the Citybird necklaces that I've done in the past using the street signs. Im glad in the end that I went with sterling and brass, it really looked nice with the burnt orange dress color. The tiara was a definite challenge for me, I've never done a piece that large but Im planning on doing more headpieces for sure!