Weekly Word: Shiver...

This week's word is "shiver". Create a piece of jewelry, a work of art, or take a picture that, in your opinion, best captures the meaning of the word. Think about the word and its different interpretations and how it makes you feel. Translate it into whatever medium you'd like and then post about it on your blog. Once you've uploaded your blog post, copy and paste the URL into a new comment on this post. Be sure to check out what others are making, inspired by the weekly word. Don't delay; you have a week until the new word is posted.

Home...

I have been home now for a few days and am slowly settling back into the routines and everyday necessities.  I am still processing my latest excursion down South.  I had a wonderful time with my family and all of the students who gathered to attend the workshop in Asheville.

In the next few days, I'll be going through highlights of the trip.  I'll be spending a little time here in this virtual space with the people and places that made the adventure in the misty mountains of North Carolina a truly spectacular experience.

This trip was my last Capturing the Moment workshop.  I will not be co-teaching the Paris trip, as was originally planned, nor will I be participating in any future Capturing the Moment workshops.  I apologize to anyone who signed up, wanting to spend time with me.  The workshop will continue on, but it will do so without my involvement.  Instead, I will be placing my attentions elsewhere and focusing on more positive pursuits.  I don't want to say too much yet, as the plans are in the earliest phases of development, but they are certainly good ones... really good ones.  I hate to be a tease, but just know that things are happening behind the scenes and when the projects are finally announced, they'll be pretty dang amazing! 

Weekly Word: Soft...

This week's word is "soft". Create a piece of jewelry, a work of art, or take a picture that, in your opinion, best captures the meaning of the word. Think about the word and its different interpretations and how it makes you feel. Translate it into whatever medium you'd like and then post about it on your blog. Once you've uploaded your blog post, copy and paste the URL into a new comment on this post. Be sure to check out what others are making, inspired by the weekly word. Don't delay; you have a week until the new word is posted.

Capturing the Moment: Day Three...

Capturing the Moment: Day Two...

Capturing the Moment: Day One...

Coming Together...

Things are coming together.  Today Cynthia and I picked up Doriot and we headed downtown to look around at a few different shops.  It was lovely to poke around and explore.  Admittedly, it has been a few months since my last visit to Asheville and there were tons of new things to do and places to eat.

Things are coming together.  Students from all over the country for the Capturing the Moment workshop started to stream in.  It was good to see many of them again and to meet some of them for the first time.  I'm truly excited for our adventures here in Asheville.

Oh, Asheville...

 It has been absolutely beautiful here in Asheville.  It has been on the warmer side during the day and brisk at night.  The light has been filtering through the trees and it's almost as if there's an ever-changing stained glass window overhead.

One of the nicest parts of the trip has been spending time with the family.  I rarely get to see them these days and it makes my heart glad to hear the laughter of children and see that "dawning" spark when either Max or Azalea makes a connection and learns something new.

Above is a picture of Max playing in the leaves at the Botanical Gardens.  We went for a walk there and it was just so nice to see the kids running and playing.

Above is an image of Azalea.  She was posing, for her "fall Photoshoot".

Sanctuary...

The Word of the Week for this past week was "Sanctuary".  I had several options for this word.  One reader suggested that I post a necklace I created that featured the word sanctuary prominently.  Another said that I might consider taking pictures of Allegory Gallery.

But I thought about it and decided to share a sanctuary that is very near and dear to me... my blog.

If you're a long-time reader of my blog, you might have noticed the lack of activity of it.  Generally I post everyday – sometimes several times a days!  However, I've only been posting a couple of times a week recently.  It's not because I haven't wanted to, but because I am finding a way to reconnect in a positive way, without succumbing to the cacophony of negativity that has been bombarding me recently.

Without going into too many details, as my goal is to stay positive, I've been faced with what seems like one problem after another and I've been putting out fires left and right.  If it was just one thing, it wouldn't even phase me.  But the combination of all the little barbs does in fact wear a person down.

Despite all the obstacles, I am able to count my blessings.  I have a beautiful network of supportive and caring individuals who have helped tremendously to get me through the hard times and actualize my dreams and make my plans a reality.  I hope that the people who have helped know who they are and how special they are.

Weekly Word: Written...

This week's word is "written". Create a piece of jewelry, a work of art, or take a picture that, in your opinion, best captures the meaning of the word. Think about the word and its different interpretations and how it makes you feel. Translate it into whatever medium you'd like and then post about it on your blog. Once you've uploaded your blog post, copy and paste the URL into a new comment on this post. Be sure to check out what others are making, inspired by the weekly word. Don't delay; you have a week until the new word is posted.

November Reader's Challenge Pre-Sale...

I decided that since I am going to be gone for a week, that I need a head-start for the November Reader's Challenge.  So I am going to do another "mystery" round of Pre-Sales.

This is a unique opportunity to get a jump start on putting your name in the hat to receive an exclusive Reader's Challenge Kit.  They go really quick!!!

Here's the hitch... for the kits, there will be no pictures or descriptions.  That is, except for one word: Jonquil.

So folks who sign up for the kit at this time will be doing so blindly without seeing the kit first; a true creative challenge.  Whatever kits that are not sold during this mystery round will go up again with the accompanying pictures and descriptions as usual.

The last kits sold out very quickly.  So, if you're eager to participate, this might just be your chance to get a head-start too.

As always, I should mention that this is a time sensitive challenge.  So, if you live far away in a remote village and you know it'll take several weeks for your package to arrive, please consider this carefully, as there are no returns or refunds and all sales are final with the kits.

CLICK HERE to find out more and to place your order for a pre-sale kit.

Into the Night Opening Reception...

Allegory Gallery presents its latest art exhibition on the Project Wall.  The new show is titled, "Into the Night".  The group show features artwork from artists from around the globe, including some homegrown, local talent!

The opening reception is this Thursday (October 13th) from 5PM to 7PM at Allegory Gallery (139 East Main Street).

Come celebrate with us and enjoy some refreshments, hors d'oeuvres, and a LIVE musical performance by Ligonier's Jane West!

October Reader's Challenge SOLD OUT...

The Design Kits for the October Reader's Challenge are all sold out!  All thirty of them are claimed.  They went really fast!  If you didn't get a Design Kit, wanted one and have a problem with not getting one... I will refer you to last month's Sold Out post.

Keep an eye out for tomorrow's Second September Reader's Challenge Reveal!

October Reader's Challenge...

This is the fourth "Reader's Challenge" for my blog. It's a fun and informal way to play, create, and challenge yourself with a pre-selected set of components. Let's see what you can make!











To participate you must purchase a Design Kit, featuring a ceramic bead from Keith O'Connor, a terra cotta bead from RareEarth Beads, a lampwork glass headpin from SueBeads, a carved blue tiger's eye round bead, natural brass peanut chain, Swarovski crystals and pearls, glass ancient bead replicas, and a Luxury Bead Blend.

The Luxury Bead Blends consists of Japanese Toho seed beads, Miyuki seed beads, freshwater pearls, blue aventurine, sodalite rounds, lapis lazuli rounds and other semi-precious stones, vintage sequins, German glass, and Czech glass. Each kit also includes as special MYSTERY component!


The mystery component will be publicly revealed on Monday, October 17th! Please keep it under wraps until then.

In selecting the pieces for the Design Kit, I thought about the brilliant blue October skies.  There's a crispness and cleanness to the autumn skies, that ranges from electric blue to dark navy.  The color palette reflects the airiness and limitlessness of October.

If you saw the first three challenges, you know that there are lots of different design choices and a single kit can make several pieces if one wants.

With your kit, using as much or as little of it as you like, create a piece that showcases your creativity, individuality, and artistic expression. Ideally your creation will spotlight the great artisan components included, but the sky's the limit with what you make. Keep your project secret until the reveal date!

The reveal date is Friday, November 4th! Post a picture on your blog or send one to me to post if you don't have your own; the October Reader's Challenge will end in a Blog Hop with your other participants!

There are only 20 more Design Kits available! The first ten sold out within an hour!  (Last kit shipped Saturday, October 17th.) CLICK HERE to get your own Design Kit for the October Reader's Challenge. Hurry! Supplies are limited and are on a FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE basis! (No exceptions)

I also wanted to mention that all Reader's Challenge Design Kits will be shipped with First Class mail. Due to the relatively short timeframe of this challenge, if you know it takes a long time to receive orders, please place your order early! I will do my best to get your kit out as early as possible, but unfortunately can't be held responsible if it arrives late.  With that said... I hope you all have lots of fun and I can't wait to see what you make!

Weekly Word: Sanctuary...

This week's word is "sanctuary". Create a piece of jewelry, a work of art, or take a picture that, in your opinion, best captures the meaning of the word. Think about the word and its different interpretations and how it makes you feel. Translate it into whatever medium you'd like and then post about it on your blog. Once you've uploaded your blog post, copy and paste the URL into a new comment on this post. Be sure to check out what others are making, inspired by the weekly word. Don't delay; you have a week until the new word is posted.

An Interview with Barbara Lewis...

Barbara Lewis Interview

·     Andrew Thornton: How did you get started in torch fired enameled jewelry? 

Barbara Lewis:  I took a workshop with Joe Spencer, creator of Multi-Torch Fired Enamel and things started to click.  I applied my ceramics education and knowledge gained from 20 years experience with firing gas kilns to adjustments in the flame. Who could imagine that white enamel would be my BFF! Simple torch adjustments create the most astoundingly beautiful results!

·      AT:  Why did you get started in torch fired enameled jewelry? 

BL:  While recovering from two rotator cuff surgeries as a result of loading heavy kiln shelves, I began the intimate task of making jewelry, first using my ceramic beads and then my enamel ones.  I took a lampworking class during this recovery period.  Enamel seemed a natural progression for an artist attracted to the flame!

·      AT:  How have your other interests/hobbies/career influenced your jewelry designs? 

BL:  I began sewing at the age of 12 and started college as an apparel design major.  My desire to make as many of the beads and components for my jewelry as possible stems from this original creative urge to make the dresses I visualized.  Now I integrate fabrics and fibers into my jewelry designs. I encourage jewelry artists to spread their wings and not be captive to what’s available at the store.

·      AT:  What inspires you? 

BL:  Because I love color, enamel is a natural fit.  It’s all about color!  In college I studied color theory and some would say that they are attracted to my work because of my use of color.  I have always enjoyed introducing the offbeat … a little bit of unexpected color that might make you say, “I would never have thought to use that!”

·      AT:  What makes your work unique from everyone else’s? 

BL:  I work spontaneously from the things around me. I get a thrill from incorporating seemingly disparate objects into a single piece of jewelry.  My “Bench Collection” necklaces are a snapshot of what’s on my worktable at any given moment.  I love this type of challenge.

·      AT:  Who’s work, glass or otherwise, do you most admire? 

BL:  I love the work of Mark Rothko and the Color Field painters.  Enamel artists I admire would include Deb Lozier, Jan Smith, and Jan Harrell.  I love their use of color and texture.

·      AT:  What advice would you give other artists? Stay true to your aesthetic. 

BL:  Your work will remain original and inspired.  Connections will be easy … things will feel right.  When you find yourself straying from your path, bring yourself back … you may need to limit visual stimuli until you get there.

·      AT:  Are there any other sources of inspiration you’d like to mention? 

 BL:  When I was just getting started on my degree in ceramics, I mentioned to one of my professors at the Corcoran School of Art that I questioned whether I had talent or not.  He said, “Talent is the need to create.”  I found his statement so freeing.  Later I came across this quote by Martha Graham, Founder of modern dance …

“There is a force, an energy, a quickness, that is translated through you into action.  If you block it, the world will not have it.  You do not have to believe in yourself or your work.  It is not your business to compare yourself with others.  It is your business to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you, to keep the channel open.”

   I invite you to join me at www.paintingwithfire.ning.com, where it’s all about torch firing.  It’s a great place to go with questions, to network, and get inspired.  We also have a weekly chat on Thursday evenings at 9 p.m. Eastern time.

website for supplies and jewelry: www.paintingwithfireartwear.com

book website: www.torchfiredenameljewelry.com

blog: www.paintingwithfireartwear.blogspot.com

The Ligonier Echo...

I was recently featured in the Ligonier Echo, one of the local newspapers!  It's just a short article and a photo, but it was nice of them to cover the opening of Allegory Gallery.

October Reader's Challenge Pre-Sale...

I decided that since I am adding ten more kits to this month's challenge, for a total of thirty, that I'll put the first ten up for grabs early.

This is a unique opportunity to get a jump start on putting your name in the hat to receive an exclusive Reader's Challenge Kit.

Here's the hitch... for the first ten kits, there will be no pictures or descriptions.  That is, except for one word: Blue.

So folks who sign up for the kit at this time will be doing so blindly without seeing the kit first; a true creative challenge.

The rest of the kits will be posted in a few days with ample pictures and descriptions.

The last kit sold out in an hour.  So, if you're eager to participate, this might just be your chance to get a head-start.

As always, I should mention that this is a time sensitive challenge.  So, if you live far away in a remote village and you know it'll take several weeks for your package to arrive, please consider this carefully, as there are no returns or refunds and all sales are final with the kits.

CLICK HERE to find out more and to place your order for a pre-sale kit.

Very Vintage Blog Hop...

I have been extremely busy with Allegory Gallery, getting things ready for the October Reader's Challenge, and just trying to make sure that all the little things that clog up life are dealt with.  I did want to finish a piece for Michelle Mach's Very Vintage challenge.  I created the above piece.  It's really simple, but I think it's definitely fall-themed and uses lots of groovy orange.  I had originally added a lot more lucite leaves and dangles, but ended up cutting most of it off.  It was all just too much and really looked like an autumnal wreath.

To the pieces in the kit, I added a bronze toggle from my family at Green Girl Studios, a ceramic bead from Keith O'Connor that I plucked from the selection at Allegory Gallery, and a seed bead mix (called "Golden Grains") also snagged from Allegory Gallery.  

Don't forget to check out what everyone else made:

Cat
Boo Beads
http://www.boobeads.blogspot.com/

Chris
beadjewelry.net
http://www.beadjewelry.net/

Cilla
Tell Your Girlfriends
http://www.tellyourgirlfriends.com

Cyndi
Beading Arts
http://www.beading-arts.com/

Cynthia
Cynth's Blog
http://cynthsblog.blogspot.com/

Dawn
Morning Glory Beading
http://grayclouds.net/dg/blog/

Donetta
Simply Gorgeous
http://www.simplygorgeous-donetta.blogspot.com/

Heather
As I Bead It
http://asibeadit.blogspot.com

Holly
SilverRose Designs
http://silverrosedesigns.blogspot.com/

Kate
We Can Make That at Home
http://katerichbourg.blogspot.com/

Kristina
Wild Roses and Blackberries
http://wildrosesandblackberries.blogspot.com/

Lauren
Laurel Moon Jewelry & Beads
http://laurelmoon.blogspot.com/

Linda
Lutka & Co
http://lutkaandco.com/

Lisa
Lucid Mood Studio
http://lucidmoonstudio.blogspot.com/

Lola
Bead Lola Bead
http://www.beadlolabead.blogspot.com/

Mary
MLH Jewelry
http://mlhjewelrydesigns.com/

Melinda
Melinda Orr Metal & Clay Jewelry Designs
http://orrtec.blogspot.com/

Michelle (me)
Beads & Books
http://www.michellemach.com/blog/

Michelle H.
Firefly Visions
http://fireflyvisions.blogspot.com/

Salla
Blog by Salla
http://bysalla.blogspot.com/

Shannon
Falling into the Sky
http://uptwnsh-fallingintothesky.blogspot.com

Shay
Shaiha's Ramblings
http://shaihasramblings.blogspot.com/

Shel
MiShel Designs
http://www.misheldesigns.blogspot.com/

Shirley
Beads and Bread
http://www.beadsandbread.blogspot.com

Stephanie
Pixybug Designs
http://www.pixybugdesigns.blogspot.com/

Tari
Pearl and Pebbles
http://www.pearlandpebble.blogspot.com

Terry
Pink Chapeau Vintage Jewelry
http://pinkchapeau.wordpress.com/

Tracy
The Bead Junkie
http://www.thebeadjunkie.blogspot.com/

September Reader's Challenge REVEAL (Part 1)...

Not long after I wrote about the problems with September's challenge and the multiple reveal dates, it started to rain.  The skies became an impenetrable gray fortress blocking the gossamer strands of internet signal and effectively putting me and my blogging ways out of commission.

So, I waited until I could finally show the first wave of reveals.

A design kit was created using artisan pieces made by Heather Wynn-Millican of SwoonDimples, Sara Lukkonen of C-Koop Beads, Heather Powers of Humblebeads, and a hand-colored metal clay piece with a floral motif by me.  The kit also included flexible beading wire from Soft Flex Company, vintage Miriam Haskell beads, Swarovski crystal, a dichroic glass bead, and a Luxury Bead Blend.

Participants were asked to create a piece using as much or as little of the kit as they were inspired to do so.

Challengers who wanted to share their creations and don't have blogs were allowed to send pictures of their pieces to be shared here.  Below are a few fine examples:

The above pieces were created by Christina Porter.  She made a necklace and a bracelet.  I think that they look great together.  The colors tie them together and make them a great pair, without being too matchy-matchy.  They both have a beautiful enchanting vibe.  

Here's what she had to say about her pieces and the challenge:

"I was so excited to be able to participate in the September Challenge and even more happy when I received the materials! I designed a necklace around the "grow" connector using a leaf bale with your copper flower pendant and faceted rondelle czech glass charm and opalite charm.  I love the deep purple coral sticks and used them with amethyst oval nuggets for a cohesive look.  I used a gunmetal chain and flower hook clasp.  I loved the C-Koop enameled flowers and put them together to make a charm to go on the bracelet that I designed using the silver chain and periwinkle Swarovski crystals.

Thank you for allowing those of us who don't have a blog to participate in the challenge!  I definitely look forward to participating in another one and seeing everyone else's creations for this one!"

Above is the piece by Darby Lohrding.  It's full of texture and the bits of sari silk are a nice contrast in color to some of the purple elements and really makes the piece pop.

Here's what she had to say about the piece and the process:

"My creation looks simple enough yet every time I wear it I end up changing some aspect, be it the placement or replacement of the recycled silk sari yarn I used to weave through the chain or be it the creation of the bezel which displays your beautiful charm.  First I wove the purple wire through the chain in order to give the chain a slightly knotted appearance, then I wove the recycled silk sari yarn through the chain.  Once I wove the endings together I realized I desired the necklace to hang a little lower so I added an extender.  I love the finished piece yet like I stated earlier it is constantly evolving!"

Above is the piece that I created for the challenge.  I have been really pressed for time, but wanted to take some time to create something special for my birthday month challenge.  I didn't have much time to work on it, but I quite like the end result.

In this piece, I really wanted the focus to be on the artisan components.  I balanced out the polymer clay link by Heather Wynn-Millican with a shibuichi small flower clasp from my family.  I then put the stacked enameled flowers from C-Koop.  I think the rose-hued copper headpin added just enough color to make it pop and continue the color down from the foundation of the necklace into the focal.  I riveted the pendant on some filigree and added a tiny copper flower that I also made.  I hand-colored the focal, so even though it's made of copper, the silver accents played a nice contrast.  From the bottom of the filigree, I added the polymer clay piece by Heather Powers of HumbleBeads.

I wanted to use the Luxury Bead Blend and did so with two strands on the right side of the piece.  I balanced it out with three strands of Soft Flex on the other side.  I didn't want the wire to completely disappear, so I added crystals to it to "float" in the design and continue to carry the eye around the piece.  I quite like the end result.

It was such a pleasure to see what some of the participants made.  So many different approaches.  For more fun, check out what some of the others have made on their blogs:

Lorelei Eurto
Sally Russick
Tara Linda
Paula Kramer
Melinda Orr
Beth Emery

Also keep an eye out on October 12th for even more reveals:
Tracy Stillman
Heather Goldsmith
Lori Bowring Michaud
Rebecca Anderson
Debbie Price
Patty Gasparino

A few more names might appear on the October 12th list.  Be sure to check everyone out, particularly the ones who have already went.  I've tried to include links that directly correspond with their reveals.  I think everyone who went already did a fantastic job!  Can't wait to see what everyone else made too!

Interested in participating in the next round?  Keep an eye out the next few days for the October Reader's Challenge Design Kit!  It's got a luscious blend of blues.

Weekly Word: Strength...

This week's word is "strength". Create a piece of jewelry, a work of art, or take a picture that, in your opinion, best captures the meaning of the word. Think about the word and its different interpretations and how it makes you feel. Translate it into whatever medium you'd like and then post about it on your blog. Once you've uploaded your blog post, copy and paste the URL into a new comment on this post. Be sure to check out what others are making, inspired by the weekly word. Don't delay; you have a week until the new word is posted.