Yank...

A big thank you goes out to everyone who has already placed an order during this sale. THANK YOU! I'm including extra goodies in each order to express my gratitude. Also, for the last five hours of the 36 Hour Tooth Fairy Sale, receive 10% off all items in my shop using the promotional code, "YANK". Remember the sale ends TONIGHT at 2 AM (EST)!

Phantoms of an Imagined Self...

Earlier today, I was cleaning out the studio. It seems like this is one task that I am always doing. I am always trying to find the perfect space to freely create. With this particular new space, I think I need to edit down the visuals. In my last studio, it was crazy small and somehow it felt right that I should make it into a nest of images, art, and warmth. The new space dictates that I remove a lot of what I had crammed in before.

While I was working to get rid of things, I came across a box filled with pictures and books and various mementos from my past. I realized that one of the books was actually my journal. I had cleverly removed the binding off of a random book and put my own pages inside. I thought this would deter any prying eyes and protect my most valuable ideas.

You know, I'm nothing like I thought I'd be. I found a map I drew out of my future and realized that I've pretty much ignored it completely. In this imagined timeline, I already own my own gallery. At the time I wrote that, I was throwing art parties in lofts in Brooklyn with Indie bands and local artists. If I had kept the momentum up, maybe I would have... who knows?

I found a book of matches tucked in between some of the pages. It had the name of a deli in SoHo. I remember this book of matches well. At one point, one of my biggest aspirations was to become the world's next biggest Art Star. Whatever that means, I don't know, but I wanted it. I even auditioned to be on a reality television show called, "Art Star." The show never really took off. Although it was in the vein of Project Runway, it was a Deitch Project and the focus on the artists seemed to be diverted towards the gallerist and his achievements. After standing in line for hours in the cold, my portfolio was briefly flipped through without much consideration. I could hear them whispering about their lunch orders. I was so disappointed and angry that I had wasted so much time that I marched over to the deli and got a book of matches and tried to set my portfolio on fire in front of the gallery as a sign of protest. I figured that if they wanted sensationalism, then I would give them SENSATIONALISM! It was too cold and slightly drizzly and the portfolio never caught. Each time I struck a match, it just went out. I look back on that moment and count myself lucky. What would have happened if I had gotten on the show? Or if my portfolio had gone up in flames and caused me to be arrested? 15 seconds of fame? 15 years of prison for arson?

In the book, I found a lot of ghosts of what could have been. A list of baby names... an itinerary for my trip to Europe... postcards of shows I wanted to see... leaves from trees now gone and long fallen... a drawing of a future that never happened.

Things didn't turn out the way I had imagined them. I could be haunted by the ghosts of things that never were, but I'm happy in my own way. Things are far from perfect, but I've found my peace in this struggle.

36 Hour Tooth Fairy Sale...

I've just uploaded a bunch of new stuff to the sale section of my shop. I've got a bunch of loose components AND finally some finished jewelry all at drastically reduced prices. Many of the items are going for a pittance of what they were originally acquired for. Today at 2PM (EST) the 36 Hour Tooth Fairy Sale begins! I had thought about calling it the 36 Hour Exploding Tooth Sale, but thought that it had too many negative-KGB-cyanide-suicide-tooth-capsule connotations. Instead I'm focusing on the whimsy of the Tooth Fairy image to carry me through this funk. In any event, the items in the sale section of my shop will only be available until Friday evening (or rather Saturday early in the morning) at 2 AM (EST). I will then take them down and pack the orders up with wild abandon to drop them in the post before my afternoon flight. CLICK HERE to visit the sale section and take a look.

Save on top of the savings by using the promotional code "TOOTHFAIRY" at the time of checkout to receive an additional 5% off of everything in the shop. This code will also expire at 2 AM Saturday morning. Make sure to drop by the shop, because I've added lots of goodies – the kind of goodies that won't rot your teeth and require the services of the "real" Tooth Fairy.

Four New Bracelet Designs...

In these four bracelet designs, I've used a wide variety of materials. I used clasps and spacers from my family at Green Girl Studios, polymer from Pam Wynn and Christi Friesen, ceramic from Keith O'Connor, resin from Natural Touch Beads, lampwork glass from Patti Cahill of Dyed in the Fire, Leila Garras of Maebeads, Debbe Hull of Coast to Coast Beads, and Bronwen Heilman of Ghostcow, chain from Ornamentea, Swarovski crystal pearls from Fusion Beads, stones and pearls from Talisman Associates Inc. and Bead Trust, and silver and bronze from Saki Silver.

Secret Art Project...

Determined to beat this funk, I've decided that I'm finally going to do an art project that I've had scribbled in my sketchbook for years. The details will remain vague until it actually happens. For now, I need twelve volunteers. Please leave a comment to this post and then send me an EMAIL with your snail mail address. Don't forget to do both steps; the former because it helps everyone keep track of how many people at any given moment are participating and the latter because it's essential to the project. If you're uncomfortable giving out your snail mail address, then I'm sure that I'll do another project in the future that won't require it, but for this particular project it's a must. Thanks so much in advance!

News from the Trenches...

Time is flying by and it's not necessarily because I'm having fun. Most of my time recently has been spent in a funk. I'm in a rut. No, more like a trench. I've tried not to spread this around, because really, it doesn't do anything. I'd rather be positive and focused on making things, but it's difficult.

The biggest source of my funk is, of course, the issue with the banks and Yury the Ukrainian. It is taking a tremendous amount of effort to get things straightened out. The most I can do is to wait. I have to wait for pending charges to post, for customer service to pick up, for new cards to arrive, for money to go out, for money to go in... it is just frustrating... waiting.

I don't know if it's a result of all the scowling faces and gritted teeth of late, but one of my teeth in the back needs plucking. The nerve is exposed and it makes eating an ordeal. My tooth cracked years ago on the day Reagan died. Coincidentally I cracked it on a jelly bean. I should have gotten it fixed then, but I didn't have time then. I was always too busy. I can't ignore it anymore though, but now a trip to the dentist isn't in the budget and I don't have dental insurance. Sure, the tooth hurts, but what really hurts is the foreknowledge that if something serious were to happen, I'd be up the creek without a paddle.

I guess that's the price one pays for the freedom of a freelancer.

On Saturday I take off for Asheville. I am worried that I won't get everything finished that I had planned to, but I guess you just have to make allowances. I am only human. I can only do so much without wearing myself out. And as I've recently discovered, I'm more fragile than I thought. One false move and I could tumble this precariously stacked house of cards.

After a few days in Asheville spent with the babies, packing for the shows and hopefully doing some bronze and copper clay pressings, Greg and I are driving across country to Tucson. It's the only way we can get everything we need for the shows there without having to spend a fortune on shipping and worrying that something might not show up. It'll be good to get away for awhile, step back and just lose myself in the pace of the shows. I'm looking forward to the warmer weather, shopping, and spending time with my creative friends who I only get to see a handful of times a year. While there, we'll be featuring the work of some excellent people who can't make it this year, like Kelly Russell, Off Center Productions, and Heather Wynn. I'm excited about these additions to our table. I think the work of all of these artists goes marvelously with Green Girl Studios merchandise. While in Tucson, I'm also hoping to meet up with Ellen Steiber, author of A Rumor of Gems. I became acquainted with her work while I was doing research for one of my articles on gemlore and faeries. Hopefully we'll get to sit down and meet face to face.

Back to work for me. There is still yet a mountain of work to do before I can go and I've still got a couple more hours of solid work before rest.

Comfort Food...

It's been chilly and drizzly here lately. (This is an improvement over the snow and ice.) To keep warm and feel comforted, I decided to whip up a quick midwinter meal.

I first started by boiling the potatoes in salted water. Next, I fried up some bacon and used the pan drippings and bacon fat to brown some seasoned boneless chicken breasts. I placed them in a baking dish. I then caramelized some onions and layered them overtop the chicken breasts. I deglazed the pan with some apple cider vinegar, chicken stock, soy sauce, and apple juice, added the liquid to the baking dish, and popped it in the oven (covered) for 45 minutes. While the chicken was in the oven, I drained the potatoes and smashed them. Once they were smashed, I added some milk, butter and the bacon. The chicken came out perfectly tender, juicy and flavorful. The potatoes were great because they helped soak up some of that beautiful liquid that reduced a bit in the oven. It was a great meal on a cold winter night.

Not All Bad...

A couple of packages found their way to me on Friday, but with the whole debacle with Yury the Ukrainian, I haven't had an opportunity to dig into them until today. Opening up these packages was definitely a bright spot in a couple of dreary days.

The first package came from Cindy Gimbrone AKA the Lampwork Diva. Inside were five lampwork glass beads that look very much like juicy cherries. I can't wait to use these. I picked them up from Cindy during her sale for a song.

I met Diane Hawkey in Milwaukee at a Bead Blogger Breakfast. It was a good time and it was great to come face to face with a lot of folks that I only communicate with over the net. I just love how quirky and sassy Diane was. She had me giggling the whole time. Later, at the show I had been meaning to drop by her table, but couldn't really leave the booth, so I missed my opportunity to stock up on her goods there. Luckily she has a website and I placed an order with her. The owl, raven, forest spirit and bird are apart of her current line, but the skull tube at the top of the picture is new. I have been on a skull kick and requested one from her. She had sadly just lost a friend and had oddly enough been working on designs from old New England grave stones. The result is her new Memento Mori line. Isn't it great? I think I'm going to string up a necklace for myself using this lovely.

I love ceramics. I especially like using them in my jewelry. There's something primal about it. I guess it's the idea that these items are formed from earth and water and tempered with fire. Certainly it is a very elemental material that is diverse in its application and execution. These heart pendants from Nancy Schindler of Round Rabbit are no exception. Aren't they darling? I love the faded denim color of the glaze and the sweet motifs. (I also got a pair of ceramic filigree type drops, but already have conscripted them for earrings.)

Speaking of ceramics, I also have a package from Gaea that I'm looking forward to getting into.

So, not all has been bad lately. These little things have brought me a little bit of happiness. Not so much because they are objects to add to my horde (which would be excuse enough), but because these artist made goods are full of potential and are totally inspiring. My hands itch to create as I hold them in my hands.

Beaded Links...

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
I really think Barb Switzer is a super person and editor! I was thrilled when she interviewed me last year for the online newsletter, Simply Beads!

Art Bead Scene

January's Art Bead Scene Challenge is a snowy landscape with a solitary magpie painted by Monet.

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi has a special Paris post on photographing jewelry.

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Lorelei tests the waters with some new bead elements from Pork Chop Show.

Cindy Gimbrone, the Lampwork Diva
Rewind: Cindy's Art Noveau inspired Stile Floreal bronze clay pendants.

Jewelry & Beading
Cyndi wants to know, wanna be facebook friends?

Katie's Beading Blog
See pix of Katie's workshop offerings for the Bead & Button Show in June. Registration opened this week and classes are already filling up!

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts
Barbe will be tooting Jean's horn for her new book Steampunk Style at CHA.

A Bead A Day
Unraveled star beads become springy coils in Lisa's wintery white dangly earring project.

About.com Jewelry Making
Tammy has developed a quick link list to help you find the jewelry info you need.

Jean Campbell
Oh, geez. Jean's tooting her horn again about her new book, Steampunk Style Jewelry...

Strands of Beads
Melissa has a fun time exchanging bead stashes with a friend to create a new bracelet.

And The Winner Is...

A big THANK YOU goes out to everyone who participated in my little giveaway to generate support for my friend and fellow artist, Iviva Olenick. She makes the most beautiful work and I wish her the very best of luck in the competition.

The randomly selected winner of the necklace is: Mel Mel. Please send me an EMAIL with your snail mail address and I'll drop it in the post. Thank you for your support!

For those of you who were not lucky enough to win the necklace, I still want to thank you for your support and for your votes. Please also send me your snail mail addresses and I'll drop a little present in the post for each of you to show my gratitude. Thank you!

OH! Although this giveaway is completed, the competition is not over yet. Hopefully you love Iviva's work as much as I do and will continue to vote daily! CLICK HERE to vote.

Bad Day...

Today has been a pretty nasty day. All day I've been trying to deal with the bank and with the lovely merchants who I've bought from or have automatic transfers with who can't get their money. I'm the one that feels like a criminal even though I didn't do anything! To top it off with a cherry, the bank has been less than helpful! All day I've been transfered around, bounced from one unhelpful person to the next. I happened to finally get help, but it was during their maintenance hour and they couldn't access my files. Call back later, they said. And when I did end up talking with someone again... apparently I have to sign and return an affidavit stating that the charges Yury the Ukrainian made were not mine. One snag... the file format that they sent it over in is one commonly used for phishing! My computer won't access it. Isn't it ironic that the bank is trying to use the same format as Yury the Ukrainian probably used to steal my information in the first place?

I was also told today that I needed to go to the local police department and file charges against Yury the Ukrainian, but not to expect anything to happen since he's overseas. He will probably continue stealing people's credit card numbers and buying hoochie clothes.

Needless to say, I've been having one heck of a bad day. I've tried to stay positive, focus on my work, and really made an effort to be as cheerful as possible through this ordeal. But I'm worn out. Right now the only thing that is giving me some semblance of peace is the idea of going to the Ukraine, finding Yury the Ukrainian, tasering him in the gonads and then going antique shopping. Right now, that thought is the only thing keeping my eyebrow from twitching off my face – justice and finding good deals. I would happily indulge in retail therapy, but wait, oh that's right... I can't... because my account is still over-withdrawn and I canceled my credit cards.

Sorry to complain and whine. I'm just venting. But, if you'd like to take advantage of my bad day, feel free to stop by my shop and use the coupon code "BADDAY" and receive 5% off your order. I'm taking down all of the current items in the sale section tonight. I'm in need of a good purging. So if you want something from there and at the drastically reduced prices that they are now, make sure to swing by before I take it all down.

Champagne Waves Necklace...

Here's my latest necklace. I've titled it, "Champagne Waves". I was deeply inspired by the Champagne colored dichroic glass and the shibuichi Forever Beautiful Mermaid coin from my family at Green Girl Studios.

I wanted to capture the warmth of color, but retain a light effervescent feeling. I've done this by using a Swarovsky crystal and crystallized pearls from Fusion Beads, chain from Ornamentea, pearls from Talisman Associates, a toggle from my family, a glittering and beautiful dichroic glass bead, and a shibuichi link from Saki Silver.

Above are a couple different images of the piece. I think it's whimsical and fun, but still is pretty elegant and sophisticated.

Crystal Caterpillar Bracelet Update...

Time for some good news...

I was just notified that I am a semi-finalist for my Crystal Caterpillar Bracelet in the KGI Worldwide Design Contest! What a lovely surprise! I've entered the contest every year since its inception and have had the honor of making it to the semifinalist round each time. Who knows, maybe this year I might win big? If you're in Tucson this year for the gem shows, drop by the K. Gottfried booth at the Tucson Bead Show to vote. The votes taken there will go towards selecting a winner.

Frustration...

I am so completely beyond frustrated right now. Earlier this evening I tried to make a donation to the earthquake relief fund for the current situation in Haiti. Out of curiosity, I checked my bank account before I made my donation. What I saw made my eyes bleed. Somehow I was negative a thousand dollars!!! ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS NEGATIVE!

Apparently Yury Chumak Zaporizka of Chernivtsi, Ukraine (whose phone number is 380 508 580 440) decided to go on a spending spree on my dime! Multiple charges for luxury clothing were made plus some suspicious ones from Nevada and a spa supply company in Florida! This stranger stole my identity and my money!!!

My entire evening has been spent trying to sort through this mess... sending out fraud alerts, talking with bank representatives, changing passwords, canceling credit cards, and trying not to lose my mind in the process. UGH!

Candice Wakumoto Charms...

I'm a big fan of my friend, Candice Wakumoto, and her work! Candice is an artist based out of Hawaii who combines fabrication with metal clay to create one-of-a-kind fine art jewelry pieces. Her work is sophisticated and polished, truly provocative and edgy. She also makes the most phenomenal cast charms, which I carry in my Shop.

I've just restocked the shop with some of my favorites and added eight NEW designs. Some of the new additions are made of sterling silver and the others are made of bronze. One day I hope to provide the entire collection and am slowly working on that. CLICK HERE to take a trip over to the shop to peruse these mighty fine charms.

Mailbox Goodies...

I don't leave the house very much these days. The thought of going out into the frosty air and trudge through the snow is violence against my psyche and mind that I simply cannot commit. I don't mind though. I like being being huddled up with my work. Some are prone to cabin fever; I'm not. I could be holed up for months, never leaving, and be perfectly content.

This is not as solitary as it may sound. Being connected to the internet enables me to keep in touch with nearly everyone I need to. I've also gotten some goodies in the mail.

I wrote on my Twitter and Facebook account that I thought "Santa forgot my carnivorous plant jungle." Not long after, I received an unexpected package in the mail! Looks like Santa didn't forget after-all! I got a plastic terrarium filled with a Venus Flytrap, a Sundew, and a Sarracenia. Unfortunately one of the plants leaked a little and the muddy water combined with the "snowman pooh" packing peanuts and the invoice was almost completely indecipherable. All I could make out was, "I enjoy reading your blog." Thank you, Mysterious Blog Reader! Please EMAIL me if you were the one to send me the present and I'll drop a thank you gift in the post for you.

Another thing that has made me feel more at home was a housewarming gift sent from Tucson. After being on the road so long, I am now finally settling in. The musical ceramic owl friend is by the amazing Allison Shock! Not only is it a work of art, but if you blow on the tail it makes various "hooing" sounds. What a lucky boy I am! I've been coveting Allison's work for a long time now, but have never met her or been at one of the shows she sells at. I thought I might be destined never to own my own piece, ever admiring the collections of others. (I placed my new owl friend next to the succulents so that he feels more at home.)

After the End of the Year Super Sale, I decided to treat myself to a little present of my own. I got a Brown Violet butterfly print from the skilled, Greenville, SC-based artist, Annie Koelle. I believe that when you make money off of the work of your hands, part of it should go back to other artists. It's good karma and promotes synergy in the creative community. Annie and her husband's work is striking and beautiful AND budget friendly! Although I believe in supporting other artists, I have to be realistic and can't go hog wild. Luckily there are options for collecting their work without having to illegally sell off vital organs on the black market. I highly recommend their work! Don't forget to check out their blog!

Speaking of sales, I'm trying to liquidate all of the remaining items in the Sale Section to make room for new items (BigCartel has a limit of 100 products, even with the best plan). That means that I've slashed the prices even more! Some of the items are over 75% off their original price tags and there are several items up for grabs that are less than a dollar. CLICK HERE to check out the Sale Section.

New Earring Designs...

I've been a busy little bee. Above are twelve pairs of earrings that I just finished. I used lots of artisan goodies, including some from Candice Wakumoto, Lillypilly Designs, Patti Cahill, Keith O'Connor, and Gail Crosman Moore. With the artisan made goods, I used Czech glass from Raven's Journey and Pudgy Beads. I also used an array of pearls and stones from Talisman Associates Inc. and Bead Trust. Earwires are from Saki Silver and The Odyssey and Bead Expressions.

Because My Heart Said Yes...

Deadlines have been swirling around my head like angry vultures. At any moment, in my weakened state, they might swoop down and take a plug out of me. That's the poetic way of saying that nothing really will happen. I mean that in the most literal way. I'll miss my deadline, I won't get paid, and in all likelihood, won't get asked back again. Nothing will happen and will cause a ripple effect of nothing happening for a long time afterwards. For someone who is self-employed as a freelancer, this is a big deal. The self-employed don't get paid sick days.

But I felt a twinge in my heart. My fingers itched to tear, cut, and paste paper. My heart swooned for the opportunity to get the paints out. I should have spent time working, but instead... I decided to follow my muse. Pictured above is a photo of a stack of 100 works of art all made by me. A bounty of collages lay before me, made up of layers of paint, paper and ink! When I was in college, I had a professor who would assign a project of doing a 100 works of art in less than 24 hours. It was supposed to free up your creative inhibitions and allow you to break down your personal archive of imagery. The muscles in your body would sing their truest song.

So, I summoned up this old practice, because my heart said YES! I felt creatively challenged and swept up by this decision to make. Here are a 100 little pieces of my heart... all saying, "YES!" I feel lighter, clearer and more ready to work. It's strange that something that I wasn't supposed to do, ended up saving me and refocusing my attentions.

The End of the End...

A BIG thanks goes out to everyone who provided their support and found good homes for the goodies in the Sale Section of my shop! THANK YOU! The End of the Year Super Sale is now finished. I did have one load of beads and finished jewelry to post, but I think I'll give it a day or two before I add those items and start dismantling the sale section. I've spent a little too much time in front of the computer lately and not enough time making. So, if there's anything in the sale section that you've been dying to get ahold of, snag it before I take it down. The Shop will continue to go on, and hopefully get even better! I've got some big plans for what's next.

Beaded Links...

A Bead A Day
If you are looking for some unique findings to use in your valentine jewelry (or Twilight jewelry), Lisa uses some interesting domed filligree pieces to house a bright red mysterious bead.

About.com Jewelry Making
Artfire, Zibbet, Etsy, which of these is the right selling venue for your jewelry?

Art Bead Scene
ABS Rewind: Art Bead Scene isn't just about art beads, it's about artist made buttons too!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Demon Monkeys appear in Carmi's projects this week.

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
Cindy's made a New Year's resolution to clean out the studio with a January clearance sale!

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie starts the new year with a new source of inspiration... a project she calls Song Lore.

Jean Campbell
Jean is sharing stories and images this week about her stops in CA. Monterey brought the most creative inspiration of all.

Jewelry & Beading
Cyndi has started a new series, called "What would you do" to discuss some of the sticky dilemmas we face in jewelry making.

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Looking for just the right clasp? Lorelei reviews a few from Artbeads.com.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean meets a cool new friend who offers us a great jewelry teaching site!

Strands of Beads
Melissa is the author of Softflex Company's Spotlight On...Article for January 2010.

Super Sale Saturday...

Cindy Gimbrone the Lampwork Diva, Melanie Brooks of Earthenwood Studio and I have some really great sales going on. Make sure to take a moment to stop on by! Have any questions or just want to chew the fat? Seems like we're all online in some form or fashion and are available LIVE! (I'll be haunting my Facebook and Twitter till 4PM EST.)

Jewelry Making Reading List for 2010...

I'll admit it – I'm a bibliophile. It's not as bad as it sounds... well, actually it is. I've got an extensive collection of books in my library and even more still in storage. (While I was moving, the towering mountain of boxes of books made up the brunt of my possessions AND the weight dragging down the back of the van!) That's why I've got to be discriminating when it comes to adding books to the collection. What follows is a very short list of either books on jewelry making that just came out or will be coming out in 2010 that are must haves for the New Year!

(This list is by no means comprehensive and there are dozens of recent and forthcoming titles that are worthy of recognition and the inclusion to your jewelry making library, but I'll get to those later.)

Of all the craft and jewelry books in my collection, Enchanted Adornments: Creating Mixed-Media Jewelry with Metal, Clay, Wire, Resin & More by my sister (Cynthia Thornton) has played the biggest role and has had the greatest impact. It could be because I helped work on the book and have an intimate knowledge of what seems like every page, but it's more than that. This is a good book! Not only is it loaded down with tips, tricks and useful techniques, but it's also entertaining! Along with all of the invaluable practical information, Cynthia has created a narrative story that follows along with each project and is painstakingly illustrated. The book has something for everyone and is as perfect for the beginner as much as it's most excellent for long-time beaders and jewelry-makers.

I contribute project designs for magazines. Often times those magazines will base their issues and deadlines according to the seasons. Barb Switzer, author of Four Seasons of Beading, is closely aware of this process. She knows firsthand just how big of a role the seasons play in jewelry design. Her latest book is a sampling of designs from a diverse group of jewelry-makers all focused on the different seasons. This is a great source for inspiration and includes an awesome resource list of art beads and components. A good resource list is worth its weight in gold and then some. Barb has done a most excellent job creating and gathering some really posh designs. (And... I'm also featured in the book as a contributor. That alone is a reason to run out and grab it!)

While I was at the BABE (Bay Area Bead Extravaganza) show in Oakland this past November, I had the pleasure of seeing the delightful Christi Friesen. She also had with her some of the new Steampunk creations that are featured in the pages of her polymer and mixed-media sculptural component how-to book. Of course Steampunkery: Polymer Clay and Mixed Media Projects wasn't out then, but I got a good look at some of the inventive and absolutely charming techniques she's incorporated in creating whimsical, mechanical, and futuristic originals. Even with metal clock gears for eyes and seemingly cybernetic prosthetics, her polymer creatures have an adorable, cartoonish sweetness to them.

Another great Steampunk book is Steampunk Style Jewelry: Victorian, Fantasy, and Mechanical Necklaces, Bracelets, and Earrings by the talented Jean Campbell. This is more than just a jewelry book! It's loaded with additional content supporting and expanding upon the style of Steampunk. Each facet adds richness and depth to an imaginative and fantastical topic. She also includes designs by a diverse group of artisans, all approaching Steampunk their own way. This is totally a must have item, and I'm not just saying that because I'm one of the contributing designers either! Jean has done an incredible job capturing a movement.

Dinner in a Pinch...

Since I discovered the recipe, balsamic/maple glazed pork tenderloin with pears and onions has fast become a staple dinner in my home. It always seems to satisfy.

But what happens when it's 20 degrees outside, the snow is piling up, and it's after 9PM (when the local grocery store closes) and you're short some key ingredients? I think every home cook has run into this situation at one point or another. No, the answer is not throw your hands up with despair! In a pinch, you learn to improvise. I was out of balsamic vinegar, short the necessary amount of maple syrup, and only had one pear (thanks to my midnight munchies). But the world was not over. Instead of balsamic, I used apple cider vinegar and a little bit of soy sauce. I then augmented the maple syrup with a little brown sugar, melted butter, and some good old fashioned water. The shortage of pears was an easy fix: substitute apples. Luckily I had an abundance.

Mission accomplished! Although not exactly the same, the substitutions were comparable and I actually liked the fruity sweetness that the apple cider vinegar and brown sugar added. The pork was just as tender and flavorful and the sauce was so darn good, I pulled out a piece of bread to sop up all that yummy goodness.

Golden Cloud Bracelet...

With everything that has been going on, I really haven't had much time to sit down and really make anything. I feel a little bit frazzled by this. I am my most happiest when I am making things. Luckily, I have been able to squeeze in a few happy moments and made a fabulous bracelet in the process!

What pulls this together is no doubt the dichroic glass focal! I adore dichroic glass. It's like I dipped my hands in the heavens and pulled down a chunk.

To accompany the dichroic glass, I've added various types of chain from Ornamentea, platinum-colored Swarovski crystal pearls from Artbeads.com, and a bird toggle from my family at Green Girl Studios. Although extremely rare, I have been lucky enough to procure some dichroic glass for my shop. CLICK HERE to check them out.

The bracelet totally developed from the Golden Cloud bead. Beads in the Golden Cloud series have sparkling silver cores, with swashes of water-like blues. Subtle hints of iridescent gold can also be found.

Above are a couple of different angles I arranged the bracelet in. I think the different shots give one an idea of just how luminous and magical the dichroic glass are.

Vote for Iviva and WIN an Andrew Thornton Original...

I've long been a fan of Iviva Olenick. I first met her years ago in a studio residency program at the School of Visual Arts in New York. Since then, I've been following the growth and development of her heartbreakingly beautiful work. If you've ever longed or yearned for someone to call your own, then you'll just get her series entitled, Were I So Besotted. You'll get the bittersweet roller-coaster of emotions – all splayed out like pages of a diary. Often times quirky, sometimes melancholic, her meticulously embroidered pieces are an honest offering to the art world. (Even the few pieces she admits as being fictitious, ring clear and true from the heart.)

Ivivia is participating in an artist competition called, Artists Wanted. The winners are selected from popular vote and ratings, and if chosen will receive prizes to help further their careers. Why not help Iviva further her career? Vote for Iviva! You could be a winner too!

If you vote for Iviva, giving a five star rating, and leave a comment on this blog post letting me know you've voted, you'll be entered in a random drawing to win the necklace pictured below:

White coral, ocean jasper, creamy chalcedony, raspberry-hued Elaine Ray ceramics, polymer rounds by Pam Wynn, striking silver chain, and a silver toggle from Saki Silver come together to form this summery necklace. I created this piece last year for a summer issue of a magazine that is no longer in print. I really love how organic and asymmetrical it is. It could be your's if you VOTE FOR IVIVA! You don't even have to sign up or send anything out. Just click on the link, hit the stars and leave a comment. SO EASY! CLICK HERE to visit her online portfolio, where you can vote. Don't forget to leave a comment on this blog. The winner will be drawn, Friday, January 15th.

(OH! Since you can vote more than once for the competition – once per day – you'll also be able to comment more than once for even more chances to win!)

Take A Look...

Here is a sampling of items in the shop, now drastically reduced in price in the On Sale section. To the left there's a soldered stained glass pendant with real pressed flowers from Lily Studios, in the center is a sterling silver box clasp with carved red rose from Jess Imports, and on the right is a copper-plated aspen leaf pendants. These are just three of the 50+ sale items. CLICK HERE to check out the sale.

Big Plans...

The New Year has started out with a mad dash. I'm working on lots of projects – most of which I must keep under wraps until I've been given the go ahead. The BIGGEST project is the most secret. I will reveal more when I can.

One of the other projects I'm working on has required me to delve back into art history. I've loved art history ever since I can remember. When I was growing up, we had an Encyclopedia Britannica set and I remember flipping through the volumes looking for artists and their shiny color-plates. I remember the shock and delight on Mrs. Dillard's face when I proudly exclaimed, "It's like Picasso!" She was my first art teacher and introduced me to the Greats of art history.

Years later, when I was in high school, I used to sneak out at night to tag along with my friends in college to go to their evening art history classes. While many of my contemporaries were sneaking out to get drunk at the beach, I was reading up on Donatello's Zuccone and impressing professors (who could, for some unknown reason, never find me on their rosters) with information about the great "pumpkin head" statues. My heart broke when my friends opted for algebra in the evenings instead of art history the next semester.

So, I am looking forward to one of the projects, which has allowed me to dive back into art history.

Another of the projects that I'm working on is getting some of my collages and paintings turned into giclee prints, which I have discovered is not a cheap endeavor. (Anyone know of anyone doing inexpensive, high quality prints?) I am hoping that the End of the Year Super Sale continues to go well to help defray the expenses. It's my hope to one day get my own giclee printer and print press to do limited edition artist books and have complete control over the process.

A lot is riding on this Sale to continue the momentum of a creative year (and help pay for my broke down car). So, do stop by the Shop and take a look. If there's anything you don't see, but want to see EMAIL me and I'll see what I can do. While you're at it, drop by Melanie and Cindy's shops as well. They're having end of the year sales as well. Mine ends Saturday evening. I'll be available during the day LIVE via Facebook and the blog from 12PM to 4PM to answer questions.

Patti Cahill's New Blog...

Patti Cahill, the artist behind Dyed in the Fire, launched her new blog finally! You might know Patti from her candy-like, colorful lampwork glass beads. CLICK HERE to take a trip over to her new blog.

Beaded Links...

About.com Jewelry Making

Take a moment to look back at 2009 and forward to 2010.

Art Bead Scene

Deep hues and bright pops of color highlight a trip to ABS Editor Cindy Gimbrone's studio for a look at a special set of beads for this month's ABS challenge.

Carmi's Art/Life World

Carmi makes up her first batch of polymer clay bezels for pendants.

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva

Rewind: Cindy ventures into moldmaking with a vintage French button.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles

Melanie reflects on the past year and sets her goals for the new year

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!

Jean is proud and happy about her contribution to Jean Campbell's gorgeous Steampunk Style Jewelry book! Take a look!

Strands of Beads

Melissa shows off the elegant necklace of a guest designer - her mother-in-law.

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton

Dark reds and lush blacks mingle together in Andrew's latest necklace design, "The Shadow King." Andrew also announces the launch of his new Skull Shop!

The Sale Continues...

The End of the Year Super Sale continues. I've just uploaded over twenty new items at massively reduced prices to the sale section of my shop. I'm looking to clear out as much as possible and make lots of room for new goodies. I have a pile of finished jewelry and lots of components just waiting to be added. CLICK HERE to check out all the new deals.

(Don't forget that the promotional code "RESOLUTION" is still valid for an additional 5% off all items in my entire shop! Use it at the time of check out.)

I'll continue to update the sale section until this Saturday, January 9th, culminating in an online event with fellow artisans Melanie Brooks and Cindy Gimbrone. More details to follow. CLICK HERE to take a look at Melanie's shop and CLICK HERE to peruse Cindy's offerings.