Another New Start

Seems like I do that a lot. But that's what I love about life. You get to do that! :)

I was just reading over some of my older posts and two things occurred to me. When I started this blog, it was more of a journaling adventure - putting my thoughts into tangible words, out into the ethers, not knowing if anyone would ever read them, but that wasn't the point.  Somewhere along the line, my topics became more about the jewelry making aspect of my life. Of course, that's part of "me", and will continue to be blogged about, I'm sure. 

But now, with spring coming, It's time to get out my camera, record some beauty, voice my gratitude, express my appreciation. 

Changes

2011 has certainly brought some changes.  I'm now part of a joint venture Jewelry Arts Teaching Studio called "The Constant Muse" (I love that name!!!) and I have a full teaching schedule.  So much,  in fact, that I haven't really had time to make very many new things, but in a way, it's almost a relief.  I enjoy teaching so much, and now I have TIME (say that slower.... T  I  M  E ...), to create a body of work that doesn't have to meet any deadlines. I can experiment, try new materials, even take some classes from my very talented co-venturers.  It's liberating. I love creating, exploring, adventuring and all that comes with being an artist, but never enjoyed creating to deadlines. Of course, I will still do shows, but on my terms, when I'm ready.  

Please visit The Constant Muse at www.constantmuse.com.

Teaching and Learning

www.patricialynndesigns.com

It's all a journey, as they say, and the one I'm on has led me to teaching.  The path was suddenly there, clearly marked, answering the question, "What do I enjoy most about what I do? " The answers came quickly ---  Sharing new techniques and ideas, working in a group atmosphere, taking time to make "art" and not production jewelry pieces, encouraging others to make artistic magic.  I thrive on the adventure of experimenting and creating.  I love to show people how much fun this is.  
So ..... Teach!  You know you'd love it.  So, an impulsive email was sent and an interview scheduled, and now I'll be teaching my first classes in metalwork and enameling starting on January 3rd at Creative Artistry Fine Arts School in Crystal Lake.   Can't wait to start.  Loving the journey. 

Where does the time go?

I just realized it's been MONTHS since I've posted anything here. I've been busy!
Lots of new things going on - I have collections of jewelry at two Kathryn Kerrigan shops, one in Libertyville, IL and one in Chicago (Bucktown). She saw my work, contacted me, I took some samples to her shop, and it was all good!  She's a young, up and coming shoe designer - extremely talented, very nice and lots of fun.  www.kathrynkerrigan.com

Now, I'm spending time developing a new body of work, combining all I have learned over the years about metal, but going back to my first love, too, which is clay. A lot of trial and experimentation is going on in my studio, which is leading to some magical discoveries.  Will post some pics soon.

Speaking of magical, this autumn has been that and more. Talk about GLORIOUS.  The weather here in the Prairie State has been beautiful and the autumn colors are amazing. I never grow weary of autumn, my favorite time of year. 

Leaf Queen of the Universe

I love leaves and I often incorporate leaf shapes into my designs. One of my recent "leaf" pieces was purchased by McHenry County College for their permanent collection, and here's my newest one. I hand cut and form each leaf from sheet copper, and then fire each enamel coat (several of them) in my kiln at around 1450 degrees. It's so amazing to peek into the kiln window and watch the tiny grains of glass enamel melt and flow. Then, the really fun part -- removing them from the kiln and watching the colors develop as they cool. It's like a whole bunch of little presents - a shower of leaves.  So what does that have to do with being the Leaf Queen of the Universe?  Everything!

Homestead Metalsmithing

I'm enrolled in a new, 4 week online course by Stephanie Lee (Semi-Precious Salvage) - love her work! - called "Homestead Metalsmithing". This is going to be fun. I already know traditional metalsmithing, and now I'm going to learn about using non-traditional materials, techniques and equipment - mostly stuff that would be found around a "homestead". I'll be sure to post some of my creations here and on my facebook page (there's a link on my website www.patricialynndesigns.com).

A new look

New look, new thoughts, new pictures!  So far, I've got the new look for my blog with new template and I like it. A goal is to learn how to upload something original and all mine, but that will come.  For new thoughts and pictures, I'm off to an art show this morning to visit lots of my artist friends.  

A Walk in the Woods

Sometimes life has a way of turning us around, in big ways or in small ones, making us stop and think, making us take time to enjoy the little things, making us realize how precious moments can be. A look around our surroundings yields unexpected and previously unnoticed treasures.  We take time to breathe, to give and receive kind words, sweet smiles.  I live a gentle life, I tread a lighted path ...

The Whole Marketing Thing

I love what I do. I'm creating, or thinking about creating, most of my day. I love being part of an artist community, having wonderful friends who support and encourage each other, learning new skills and techniques, getting new tools and supplies, participating in art shows and events, and yes, being accepted as an artist, either by a complimentary word or a purchase.  And you know, the whole marketing thing is fun!  Creating the pages, packaging, displays and logos are another creative outlet for me, just like writing.  Photography, too, amateur that I may be - but that's a topic for another post, another day.

Making Porcelain and other Clay Beads

Of course, I love working with metal and gemstones, but variety is good and one of the things that's so appealing about making jewelry is that the materials and designs are endless. Boredom just never happens.
Recently, I've been making my own kiln fired/glazed porcelain beads and polymer clay beads.
I like making them a little wonky shaped, like they've been worn down through the centuries, and my color choices, are, of course, blue, aqua, green, brown - nature's colors.  Pictured is a new necklace (just finished today) with a large porcelain focal bead, and a bracelet with polymer clay beads. Many more are in the works, of course!  Check my online shop www.patricialynndesigns.etsy.com