A couple of little things

Oh, I know. I have been missing.  Just when I started things up and I go and leave a 2ish week gap in my blogging.  I am truely sorry. 

The good news is that I had a successful holiday bazaar showing and I completed some really nice pieces.  I am adding pictures for you to enjoy.  I'll be sure to write a little about them. 

This is a close up of a new design.  I haven't come up with a good name for it yet so if you have suggestions I  would love to hear them.   I'm thinking maybe a contest is in order for the winner. 

So a little about the above necklace.  The pendant is made up of two "caged" enameled domes that have been prong set using silver.  The cages holding the enameled pieces are pierced copper.  The pendant hangs on a viking knit chain.  It is really gorgeous I think. 

Here is the a picture of the whole thing. 

This piece is a bracelet I am calling August Blaze.  It reminds me of fire, heat and the like.  The three large pieces are enameled using threee different colors.  The have all been fired a minimum of 8 times each to give them just the right look.  The enameled pieces have been linked together using fire engine red glass donuts and genuine garnet beads.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend.  I would love to hear from you!

Seaview Manor Holiday Bazaar

You know when things get busy and you forget to do stuff, even when there is a list in front of you?  Well, I'm there. 

It's all very exciting however, one or two things may have fallen by the wayside for an instant.  Things like updating my Etsy site or worse yet, updating my creative blog.  Sorry (she says with a down cast face). 

I am getting ready for a bazaar in Seaside, Oregon and have been buried up to my eyeballs in metal and enamel.  If your interested, the bazaar will be in 12th Avenue in Seaside on October 23 and 24.  To tell you the truth, it's not a bazaar as much as an artisan and crafters fair.  The vendors are there by invitation only and the quality of craftsmanship is high. 

If you would like to go, here are the directions.  It is going to be an amazing time! 

135 12th Avenue, Seaside, OR

I hope to see you there.  I will have some beautiful jewelry for sale. 

Bye for now!

Golden Retriever Fever...An Introduction

This is my girl...Abbie

She goes everywhere with me, weather permitting of course.  Lately, I have been pondering how a person can get so attatched to a dog.  I never thought I'd love a dog so much, especially a golden retriever...that sheds...and slops her water all over the house...and likes to roll in really stinky stuff!  I do though.  I adore my Abbie.   

What does this have to do with a blog focusing on creativity?  Well, she's my studio buddy.  I have a little corner of our garage that I use for my studio.  It can get kind of lonely out there but Abbie loves to be with me no matter where I am so she hangs out with me in my studio. 

During the summer, I open the garage door and she will lounge in the driveway sunbathing.  In the winter she finds a spot near the heater and parks it.  The companionship that she provides is something that helps my mind focus sometimes.  When I'm stuck on a design, you will often find me sitting there staring at my metal and petting Abbie all while processing how to proceed.  She provides that extra calm and peace that I sometimes need in order to bring my scattered thoughts together and have them jell. 

Commic relief is also something she provides.  She is hilarious when she has her heart set on something, especially dinner.  She has this way of poking you with her nose until you give her the attention she is looking for.  Once she has made eye contact, she sits down and cocks her head inquisitively as if to say, "I love you, would you feed me please?"  The dog in the movie Up, reminds me of Abbie so much.

Abbie is not vocal at all.  I know, unusual!  We joke in our house that the only time we have heard her bark is when she is chasing a squirrel in her sleep.   Some people sleepwalk or talk in their sleep but our dog Abbie, she sleep barks, sleep growls and sleep chases. 

I have been noodling on a golden retriever inspired design.  I'm not entirely sure what it will turn out to be but I have found particular inspiration in our sweet golden child with big brown eyes and floppy ears made of silky fur.

Do you have any studio buddies?  How about a favorite pet?  Do they provide you with inspiration?  I'd love to hear about them.

Hope your day is terrific and filled with joy and peace.
Rikki