THE JOURNEY CAFE'

Another New Start

2011-03-22T09:53:00.000-05:00

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

2011-03-22T08:55:00.000-05:00

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

2010-12-15T21:22:00.001-06:00

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?

2010-10-14T11:04:00.000-05:00

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

2010-08-14T09:21:00.001-05:00

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

2010-08-14T09:08:00.000-05:00

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

2010-07-25T09:09:00.002-05:00

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

2010-05-12T16:25:00.000-05:00

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

2010-04-09T08:16:00.004-05:00

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

2010-03-13T18:00:00.001-06:00

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

My New "Shop"

2010-03-03T08:40:00.000-06:00

Well, I finally did it. I opened my own shop. Sort of. It's online, but I have it envisioned in my mind as brick and mortar, with an awning and flowers in the courtyard, only I don't have to be there all day, every day. I can just stop by when I want, and it takes care of itself. There is a link on my website, www.patricialynndesigns, if you want to take a peek. It's a little bare right now, but I'm adding more every day.

Those who know me know that it's not about the "selling". It's about the joy of creating, of working in my studio, of "playing" with new ideas and materials. So, although I'll try to be a good businesswoman like all the books say I should, it certainly won't be my main focus. I have to say, though, I just keep going back and looking at my shop - it's just so much fun and my photographs don't look too bad, thanks to Fifi, the torso who is currently vacationing in my studio.

Wildflower Garden Inspired Jewelry Collection

2010-02-01T11:01:00.001-06:00

It's winter here in Illinois, and it seems like it's been winter for a long time. I need summer! Hence, my new wildflower garden inspired jewelry collection is coming into being. I know, I was all focused on having a Journey Collection, but it will have to wait. I'm remembering summer gardens, wildflowers, lakeside breezes, dragonflies and birds, and color, color, color. After a long gray winter, these pieces seem so warm, free spirited, natural and serenely happy.
My etsy shop will open soon - Hopefully on March 1st. www.patricialynndesigns.etsy.com.

The Perfect Cup of Tea

2010-01-08T19:32:00.001-06:00

A cold winter morning, a hot cup of tea.
This painting by artist and friend Marian Stamos has serenity, warmth and caring all wrapped up in it.
You can see more of Marian's wonderful work at www.mstamosart.com.

Warm Wishes

2009-12-26T14:39:00.014-06:00

It's a day to stay home, that's for sure. I'm working on updating my website, and then I'll get out my camera and start taking some new pictures. Two of my new enameled pieces are on the front page (just scans - better photos coming!), with more to come. I love torch fired enameling, and then setting the enameled pieces like gemstones. Very fun. And different, I think! Also, I had to post this sweet pic of our little Sabrina. She's the "baby" of our four, and could not be cuter... This is the first year she hasn't tried to wrangle the tree down and is content just to sit near it and dream...

Gear for the Journey

2009-11-27T11:02:00.008-06:00

I have finally figured out that it is important for my creative process to have a theme - otherwise my Gemini brain just wants to do everything all at once and I find myself playing way too much (which is okay, of course!), but I also need and want to produce work that is true to my soul and represents what I'd like to say. Is it possible to convey a consciousness of appreciating this journey through life, of savoring moments, of finding beauty in ordinary things, of feeling a connection to the earth and all its wonders through jewelry and art? Of course, I know that's a pretty tall order and trust me, I do keep it in perspective, but since that's how I feel when I create, I'm hopeful that some of that comes through.

At a recent Art Show, the new collection was well received (many thanks for that!), and I'm looking forward to getting some pieces on my website very soon.

"We journey through time, through space, through changes, through movement, through stillness. We journey, finding our way, living our lives. The Journey Collection is eclectic, reflecting the changes, the movement, the stillness, the seeking. Gear for your Journey. Find your way."

-Patricia Lynn

Gratitude.... and Snow!

2009-11-26T11:27:00.005-06:00

It's Thanksgiving morning, and I am grateful, and truly not just this day, but every day. I'm grateful for the lessons I have learned, for a little pushing and prodding when I need it, for opportunities to grow in understanding, for fresh starts every morning, for unconditional love and forgiveness, for kindnesses, and for love that never gives up on any of us. Grateful, I am.

And ... it snowed last night! Waking up to the first light of dawn and seeing a sugar crystal dusting of snow on the grass and branches was so lovely. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

The Art of Enameling

2009-10-05T18:10:00.006-05:00

Texture, form and color are why I design jewelry. The techniques, materials, shapes, colors, textures, etc., are practically endless! Any aspect of art can be incorporated, and it's just so much fun. I could never limit myself to just one technique or one material. Sooooo....

I just took a two day workshop sponsored by the Chicago Metal Arts Guild with enamel artist and educator Linda Darty and it was amazing. She wrote the book "The Art of Enameling", and it was such a privilege to be able to learn from her. I had no idea that you could do so much with enamels! Talk about texture, form and color! In two days, she was only able to briefly cover all of the techniques in her book (which is a must have, by the way, if only to look at the beautiful pictures!), but I have experience in working with ceramics, glazes, lampwork glass, painting and of course, metals, and I feel like I now have a good basis of knowing what's possible, and thanks to Linda's workshop and book, the techniques to do it, and the rest is up to me. Of course, I'll start simple, but that suits my "organic and earthy" style just fine. Again, it's color and texture that I'm after. Soft, transparent, subtle color!!! I just placed an order for bitter green, robin's egg blue, storm blue, elk brown, and more -- and cannot wait for them to arrive so that I can get started.

September

2009-09-06T09:00:00.012-05:00

September. All the months of the year have their special qualities, but oh, September. The sun's light is growing softer and casting a hazy golden glow, like the air is lit from within. The nights are cool, the leaves are just beginning to turn, and there is a wonderful, just barely there, earthy scent everywhere. I went to the Woodstock Farmer's Market yesterday with a good friend (affectionately known as LDD), where I learned about how to cook Kale, found some new varieties of cucumbers, listened to wonderful Peruvian folk music by InkaPirka, and stocked up on lots of delicious veggies, handmade soaps, and a loaf of herb bread. After brunch at an outdoor cafe, I came home to work (outdoors, of course!) on some new designs for the Woodstock Fine Art Fair on September 19th. These are the days to treasure. These are the days to be so grateful for our dear earth and all she provides. They all are, really. But there is something so amazingly magical about September.....

Summer Shows and Shawl Sticks

2009-08-17T07:55:00.004-05:00

The summer shows were wonderful!!! Thanks so much to everyone who came to the Midwest Fiber and Folk Art Show and Gallery in the Garden. I had an amazing time, and loved every minute.

Fiber & Folk was so fun and filled with creative energy! This is a show where most of the shoppers are also fiber artists (from beginners to reknowned artists), and they are all just thrilled to be able to touch and see and purchase the perfect fibers, yarns and supplies they need to fuel their creative fires. I love being there as part of the "Folk" contingent, and am always grateful when my jewelry is well received amid all those delicious fibers. My friend Diane ("Gracie's Mom Knits!" and (www.powellraymonddesigns.com) helped at my booth and put out some of her SO COOL Shawl Sticks, and sold A LOT. I finally remembered to take a picture after many were gone!

As many of you know, Gallery in the Garden is a benefit for Turning Point, a women's and children's shelter, and artists donate 20% of their sales at the end of the show. This year, the show raised over $4,000. Wonderful! I was between two friends, Monica of www.deliasdelight.com, an amazing jewelry artist and teacher who has taught me so much about wire wrapping and more, and new friend Jenny Vogt (www.jennyvogt.com), a very talented pastel artist who was so generous in letting us cut through her booth to get in and out of ours. Thanks, Jenny!

I'm busy now getting ready to get my online shop open (taking those photos is my sticking point, but I'm just going to have to get it done!), and the upcoming Fine Arts Festival on the Square in Woodstock, IL on September 19th. As more details are available, I'll post and email.

Am I living true to my goal of savoring each day of summer? Most definitely. But, that's for another post ..... to be continued!

The Reclamation Series

2009-07-13T09:42:00.012-05:00

I have been working pretty much non-stop for the past couple of weeks, getting ready for the two big summer shows I'm fortunate to be in, Midwest Fiber and Folk Art Fair (www.fiberandfolk.com) on July 17-19 and Gallery in the Garden (www.galleryinthe garden.com) on July 25-26.
My newest designs are called "The Reclamation Series", which includes "Finding Sanctuary", "She Gave Me Wings", and "Sabrina's Garden" collections. These are mainly reclaimed, vintage, found object, altered art pieces, and I'm loving them! These pics are quick scans of some of the necklaces and pins I'll have available, but there will be many more to choose from. (The round butterfly necklace isn't quite done - it will have a tiny vintage locket key hanging from the bottom of the circle).
There are only four more days until Fiber and Folk, so I'd better get back to work. Hope to see you there. I'll also have my spiral and openwork shawl pins (examples are on my website), and more on display. (To see these pics up close, just click on them, and use your back arrow to return).

Painting Again

2009-06-21T16:33:00.012-05:00

She lived in a clearing in the woods, gathering herbs and flowers by day, preparing her healing elixirs by moonlight... I started painting again, and am remembering how much I love working in acrylics and their softly glowing colors. I had no idea I would paint this scene when I started, but once it was done, I knew who lived there. That's how I design jewelry, too. I follow my muse and see where she leads. Right now, she's leading me to paint, and I'm looking forward to the next one.

Fishbed Knitting Emporium

2009-06-16T18:48:00.016-05:00

www.fishbedknitting.com.
I'm just a beginning knitter, but I absolutely fell in love with the place the minute I walked in the door. It's neat, cozy and friendly, the selection of yarns is deliciously luscious, and it's just a great place to be. There's even a table right in the middle with little dishes of chocolate placed strategically around, which is so important. :)

One of my favorite places

2009-06-15T17:55:00.024-05:00

I took my camera with me to meet friends today (part of a creativity exercise I'm doing), and decided to give you an inside view of La Petit Marche' in downtown Crystal Lake www.petitmarche.biz (right across from the Raue Center for the Arts). I love to stop there for coffee and a homemade cookie or croissant, meet friends, and just soak up the ambience. I feel like I'm in Paris (I've never been, but that's how I imagine it to be). I mean, where else around here can you listen to La Vie en Rose, drink lavender tea (which is really good), take home a fresh baked baguette and a wedge of cheese, and feel like you just went to France for a little while?
(Click on the pic to get a better view and use your back arrow to return. The fabulous paintings are by local artist Jurgita and there are many on display - love 'em.

Mississippi Mud

2009-06-14T21:21:00.015-05:00

A gift from a friend -
Birthdays are good! I had one recently, and even though I clicked off another year on the calendar, it didn't faze me a bit. I'm enjoying this time of my life so much, and I have lots to look forward to -- like learning to knit as well as my friend Diane, who made this lovely shawl for me. (Thanks again, BD!) It's in a "feather and fan" pattern, and the color is "Mississippi Mud". Hopefully, at the upcoming Midwest Fiber and Folk Art Fair in July (www.fiberandfolk.com), I'll magically absorb some better knitting skills......Hopefully. :) (If you click on the picture, you can see it up close. It's amazing. Just use your back arrow to return.)

Color on Metal Workshop

2009-06-14T09:47:00.023-05:00

Yesterday, I attended a workshop at Kim Vorel's studio (www.vorelart.com) in beautiful Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. We learned techniques of applying traditional artist colors (pastels, colored pencils, watercolors, etc.) to textured copper. We hammered, gouged, scratched, and otherwise textured the metal, then colored it. We also had a great "bring a dish" lunch, and laughed a lot. Here are some samples of my "play" pieces. I wanted to try the techniques, and really enjoyed pondering the possibilities. Perhaps you'll see some examples in works to come....

Summer Jewelry

2009-06-13T17:44:00.006-05:00

I love the combination of turquoise and copper, and just had to post a pic of one of my newest designs.
According to the Crystal Bible by Judy Hall, Turquoise "is a most efficient healer, providing solace for the spirit and well being for the body. It is a protective stone and has been used for amulets since time immemorial."
I also just love the color. :)

Summer Shows

2009-06-13T17:17:00.018-05:00

Has it been two months since my last post already? Lots to catch up on. First, the show in Deerfield at the North Shore Unitarian Church on April 25 &26 was wonderful. I shared a booth with my friend Diane, www.powellraymonddesigns.com. Even though the heavens opened up with buckets of rain (thankfully, we were indoors), the crowds arrived, I reconnected with customers and friends, saw wonderful works by very talented artists, and once again got to be part of a world where being an artist is like belonging to a very friendly club -- we all support each other and wish each other well.

Now, I'm busy getting ready for the Midwest Fiber and Folk Art Fair www.fiberandfolk.com, which will be held on July 17-19 at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake, IL. Being a new knitter, I'll be a yarn shopper (can't wait!) and I'll also have a booth with my jewelry and newest shawl pins. This year, I'm sharing a space with Deb from Fishbed Knitting Emporium in East Dundee. Fishbed is the coolest place. Have you read "The Friday Night Knitting Club"? Enough said. :)) www.fishbedknitting.com. We'll be right near the front entrance, Booth #4.
The weekend after that, July 25 and 26, is Gallery in the Garden, a benefit for Turning Point, a women's and children's shelter in Woodstock, IL. Two artists fill their their beautiful back yard (it's like out of a magazine) with artists, music and food, and it's just amazing. Check out www.galleryinthe garden.com.
AND..... I also want to get some new jewelry on my website. I just need to make some more pieces, get photographs taken, write descriptions and get them online. It can be done, and it will happen. :)))

Northwest Area Arts Council

2009-04-11T09:46:00.013-05:00

I was recently asked to join the Board of the Northwest Area Arts Council (naac) and I'm really looking to working with this great organization. The Board is expanding and looking to provide more and varied outlets and activities for artists and the public, and here's what the most recent newsletter, "Art Beat", said about me: "Patricia Lynn ... is the owner of Patricia Lynn Designs, and is a maker of artisanal jewelry. Patricia brings to the board extensive knowledge of art sales and fairs, being a successful vendor at many local area events. We are hoping that Pat will help naac with its efforts in this area, to provide local artists with additional opportunities to sell their works." I will work to do just that! I love supporting the arts and artists, and have lots of great ideas. naac's website is http://www.naac4art.org/. It's in the process of being revamped and updated, so please check back often.

Skyway Art Exhibit

2009-04-11T07:50:00.009-05:00

I was so honored to recently have one of my pieces, a three layer locket, "Memories of Autumn", accepted into the 2009 Skyway Juried Art Competition at Prairie State College in Chicago Heights, IL. I attended the Artists Reception on March 7th, accompanied by several friends. It was a wonderful event, and I was thrilled to have had my work chosen and included. It's not easy to tell from the photo, but it's a hinged container/locket - the top has an openwork leaf motif in copper and bronze, the next layer is copper with an etched and patinaed handdrawn vine, and the bottom layer is sterling silver with the words "Memories of Autumn". It's a remembrance of the first time I saw the amazing, wild beauty of Michigan's upper peninsula, in October, years ago.

Flower Child

2009-02-10T14:10:00.014-06:00

The third in my series of repurposed vintage keys, Flower Child (featuring an inwardly glowing citrine stone) speaks to me about youth and hope -- and all laid out in front of me, a journey into the unknown future amid the upheaval of world strife, fast moving changes, and the promise of light to come.
The Sun Rises.

Flowers Bloom.

Hope will not be Silenced.

Love Endures.

Peace will come.

" This is the Dawning of the Age of Aquarius"Peace and love, everyone, Peace and love.

She Gave Me Wings

2009-02-10T13:58:00.008-06:00

One of the benefits of hibernation is that it provides time for introspection, for remembrance, and to just stop and feel gratitude and love for the special people in our lives. In keeping with my series of vintage, repurposed keys, this piece is a tribute to my mom, Jean, a bastion of courage and strength, whose greatest gift to me was a sense of self worth, a knowing that while we may seem to be temporarily earthbound, we do have the means to fly. She gave me the key to unlock the door of my world into possibility and meaning, and she taught me that I do have the ability to be the self that I came here to be. She may have passed from this earth 16 years ago, but she's always close in heart.

This pendant necklace features a brilliant labradorite marquis stone, a sterling silver butterly, and a resin filled cab that says "I Am", and although I may do similar pieces in the future for those who wish to honor special women in their lives, this piece will never be sold.

Emerging from Hibernation

2009-02-10T13:16:00.014-06:00

I decided to take a holiday break, and then the cold, cold weather set in, and I pretty much went into hiberation, physically and mentally. Hibernation was a time to join a yoga class, organize my closets, cabinets and studio to perfection (where I found these keys), do some knitting, and warm my soul by reconnecting with old friends and family. Of course, not a day went by that I didn't create something, or at least think about creating something, as that is how I breathe.

Repurposing some old keys from our home in northern Wisconsin is bringing new life to my creativity. This beautiful old key is now a pendant necklace with a vintage brass "wing" and a glistening paraiba quarz stone set in sterling silver, all arranged on a lightly floral etched, windowed copper door, with the words "Open the Door" stamped in copper above the door. On the back of the door are the words "Love is the Key".

Knitting! Shawl Pins!

2008-11-22T18:31:00.010-06:00

Gosh - where did the time go? Fall is always busy, but this one was more busy than ever! I had new design samples to get off to the company I design for, shows to do, shops to get stocked, and special orders to fill. Plus, it was a GORGEOUS autumn, and I tried to spend as much time outdoors as possible. But now, it's starting to get a little more wintry here in northern Illinois, and a couple of weeks ago, I accompanied a friend to a yarn shop, thinking that it might be relaxing and fun to get into knitting. There are such cute things to knit, too! I kind of drool over knitting magazines. :)

ANYWAY, we went to the Fishbed Knitting Emporium in East Dundee, IL. http://www.fishbedknitting.com/. WHAT A COOL PLACE. Deb, the owner, could not be nicer, and she has a shop full of the most gorgeous yarns. I felt right at home right away. It's a cozy place with comfy seating, luscious yarns and great advice. I'm really looking forward to the new classes forming in January.

SO HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED -- When I was paying for my yarn, Deb asked if I wanted to be on her mailing list and I said sure, and she asked for my email, and when I told her, she asked what I designed, and then I gave her a business card because it has pictures on it, and she said "Can you bring me some shawl pins?" And, of course, I said "Sure!"

So, yesterday, I placed 12 in her shop, and I can't wait to make more. Here's a pic of two of them.

Fall Shows

2008-09-07T21:10:00.010-05:00

I'm getting ready for some fall art shows (see my website for details - http://www.patricialynndesigns.com/), and I think I'm doing some of my best work yet. I hope so, anyway! I'll post some pics soon. Also -- If you're anywhere near the northwest Chicago suburbs, stop in to see my work at Marietta in downtown Crystal Lake (http://www.mariettaforyou.com/) and at Primrose Lane in East Dundee (http://www.primroseln.com/).

I'm really looking forward to fall. It's my favorite time of year. And, just in case you're wondering, Yes! - I'm still riding my bike and I still love it! I'll probably be riding until the snow gets too deep. :) This morning, we saw a young fox -- we stopped to watch him, and then he started trotting up to us, not a bit afraid. He came within about two feet, and then just walked on by. He (or She?) was just beautiful.

I will savor every day of summer, treasure every day of fall, keep sunlight in my heart in winter,and breathe deeply the promise of spring.

Gallery in the Garden

2008-08-02T18:10:00.011-05:00

Beautiful weather, amazing garden setting, good friends. Does it get any better? This picture was taken before the show officially opened and before I put on my really cool shoes. :) If you were there, you know what I mean. I love those shoes!
If you can get to Gallery in the Garden next year, please plan to do so. It's a benefit for Turning Point, a women's/children's shelter, and 20% of our sales go directly there. The garden is endless and beautiful. We had music from many talented musicians, including Inkapirka, a group of South American musicians whose music is so great. I came home with two cds, and have been playing them since. For more info, check out http://www.galleryinthegarden.com/.

Summertime

2008-07-31T18:21:00.009-05:00

What a great summer! Bike rides mostly every morning, afternoons working in my studio or on the porch or patio, and lovely summer evenings to savor. We live very near a beautiful lake and we get a great breeze. It's all just pretty much heaven for me. I planted these Shasta Daisies last year and they were pretty small -- but look at them this year! And they just keep blooming! We also have a wonderful crop of sunflowers, courtesy of my husband's "pet" squirrels, and they're just the happiest flower. I am definitely savoring summertime....

But, I have been working really hard, too. I just got finished with two GREAT shows - the Midwest Fiber & Folk Art Fair (www.fiberandfolk.com) and Gallery in the Garden (www.galleryinthegarden.com). Thanks so much to everyone who came and liked my work. I'm really so grateful to all of you.
More shows are coming this fall, and I'll be sending out a newsletter soon. To sign up for it, please go to my website.

...NEWS
Indigo Daydreams in downtown Crystal Lake has closed its doors. I was very fortunate to have my jewelry there, and I'm so glad that I became friends with Laura, the owner, and Ruth Anne, the manager. What wonderful women! We had a great time, and I know they will be successful wherever life leads them next. I'm a firm believer in the doors closing/windows opening viewpoint! And, beginning in mid-August, I'll have jewelry in Marietta, a fabulous shop on Williams Street in Downtown CL. Talk about a window opening -- this is a GREAT window because Marietta is a wonderful place.

Earthy and Natural

2008-06-09T11:16:00.013-05:00

There really is no substitute for Nature's beautiful gemstones, and I wanted to present them as naturally as possible, but with certain design elements that set them apart and stamp them with my style. These two stones are set in a very "primitive" style that works so well with their natural beauty. I'm all about subtle, earthy colors and hues, and this collection features my favorite combinations.

I'm savoring summer in casual, earthy elegance and I'm loving it.

Sisters of the Spirit

2008-05-26T16:50:00.008-05:00

I recently taught a basic metalsmithing class to a lovely group of women, the "Sisters of the Spirit". I gave each a square of copper, and after talking about symbols and their meanings, they all chose to make a heart and spiral pendant, symbolizing love and growth. There were six women, and we ended up with six completely different pendants, yet all embodied the heart and spiral symbols. Teaching was a new experience for me, and I was fortunate to have such a fun group to work with.

Mind and Body

2008-05-24T16:49:00.005-05:00

Well, here she is -- my new bicycle. Nothing fancy, no gears, just a plain ol' bike, and I love it. What does this have to do with creativity? Lots! Last summer was all about making jewelry. I was living, eating and breathing it. This year will be different. I'm still as passionate as ever about making jewelry and other expressions of art, but the bicycle is a way for me to create a more aware and conscious season for myself. This summer, I'll take things a little slower, enjoy the sunshine, and literally smell the flowers.
And, I'll create a stronger, leaner, healthier body as well. Here's to creativity! :)

Renewal

2008-05-20T07:29:00.009-05:00

It's a cool, rainy morning here in far northern Illinois, but everything is the greenest green, in all shades and hues, and there is a gentle quietness all around.
I was greeted this morning with the thought that every morning provides a whole new opportunity for renewal, for starting over, for trying again, for creating a good day, and for sending out a little more positive energy and love into the world, which I believe is the most important thing any of us can do. Plus, a little later on, I'm going shopping for a new bicycle! Can't wait.

Morning Thoughts

2008-05-15T08:20:00.005-05:00

A very wise woman once told me that flowers love to "go to work", meaning that they love to bring beauty into our lives. I never looked at a flower in the same way after she said that, because I knew it had to be true, and I gained such a new appreciation for all of nature's gifts.
When I painted these flowers, I wanted to capture a feeling of their happiness, and the happiness they gave me.

An afternoon with friends

2008-05-13T15:36:00.020-05:00

I got together with some friends and fellow artists this afternoon to work on projects, and although we were all working with similar materials, what a difference in styles and designs!
The creation of art is a personal expression of our own life's energy. What else could it be? And to use that energy to create something good, even on a very small scale, well, that's what it's all about.

Joy Girl

2008-05-13T07:57:00.011-05:00

Our whole lives are about creation. It's what we do. We create our reality.
For years, I went through my days, not unhappily, but never really knowing what it meant to savor life. Now, I do. My discovery of my life as my "art" has opened up doors I never imagined, and has brought me not only joy, but so much to do! My painting, "Joy Girl", pretty much sums up my delight.
This blog will be a way to share some of my discoveries and thoughts, to have fun and learn, to connect with old friends and new, and to write, which is another facet of my life and my art.