Pithy Art Blog

Making stuff

2012-01-21T11:27:00.008-06:00

Squirrel!
Originally uploaded by Zoeowyn

I've been making stuff, art stuff, jewelry stuff, clay stuff. Im really enjoying the process.

I know quite a few polymer artists work in the same processes, but I thought I might share anyway.

I love the bright colors of clay, and they mix all together and make other colors

Sometimes I leave the colors alone, like I did with these cute little squirrel and acorn charms

I really do fall in love with the colors. Sometimes I have a hard time determining if I should keep the straight colors or if I should take them to the next level.

polymer pens out of the oven
Originally uploaded by Zoeowyn

These pens were just yummy combinations of color when they came out of the oven. One of the things that was so fun about these, they all worked out so well, and they were all made from my scrap cup collections. I have a few yogurt cups that I toss small left over bits of clay into. Sometimes I blend those scraps together to make other colors, sometimes they are just that blended bits. The pens are sitting in an accordion of folded paper board I use to support them while curing in the oven.

Well after staring at the pens for a few days I decided they needed to go to the next level. Im always a little nervous taking my work here. Especially if I fall in love with it in straight colors. Once of the reasons I think its nerve inducing is I take those wonderful colors and completely cover them in paint. I use acrylic paint. Sometimes I use black, like I did here, and sometimes I use brown or purple, or rust. Ive even tried white, but those never seem to work the way i think they should. SO I cover them completely before I go back and wipe off the exces paint. I really only want it in the crevices. I use a combination of paper towels and magic erasers to do the job.

They really start to begin to almost glow after cleaning the pain toff. The colors are framed and begin to pop! If I want brighter colors I will scrub over them again with the magic eraser some more.

After the paint dries I buff the work over with gilders paste. Sometimes I use more than one color. There used to be only a few metallic colors available at the craft stores, but now there are a wide selection of colors available online. So these final pens have been buffed up with the metallic paste and coated in polyurethane to seal it all in.

And once this entire process has been done Im always glad I did it.

looking back, looking forward

2012-01-02T12:02:00.001-06:00

I don't do new year's eve well.
I never get to go to any of those fabulous parties, and my husband heckles the TV coverage too much for me to enjoy just sitting back and watching it. Im too tired to enjoy a good cut throat game of Risk of Cattan, so I usually just chuck it all and go to bed early mildly depressed.
I have a bad habit of focusing more on what didn't happen instead of what did happen.
Of course it doesn't help when I run into someone doing what I really want to do, and could do better but I lack the moxie, the supportive backing and the funds, and the karmic luck.

My past is blurring together and I can't remember if its this past summer or the one before that, I had my cards read, and both times it was mentioned I have too many irons in the fire. Too many options to focus on. And I could be good at any of them, I just have to figure out which ones to remove from the fire.

How do you decide what goes when what is in the fire is what makes you sane?

Iron: Art Blog: its not monetized, I don't have hundreds of followers, I cannot maintain it the way I really want to, School got in the way and I wasn't even able to post the weekly hay thats a cool art thing. So does that mean I ditch the whole thing?

Iron: Im in grad school for distance education. Being an adjunct instructor and online course developer is my "day job." My day job has no benefits (other than a pay check and nice resume line listings), and because I am adjunct I do not know my course load until the beginning of the semester.

Iron: Madame X Costumes: my most popular pattern went out of print but its back with a smashing new cover, I should redesign the existing covers, I need to update the website and I have projects I have not yet managed to get to. I don't wear my own costumes half the time, and I the past few "new" designs have been brought out by big commercial companies before I manage to get mine completely designed.

Iron: Illustration and design, I thought I had the opportunity to go back into this full time, I really enjoyed the work, but it fell through. Yet every time someone wants a quick little design Im all for it

Iron: art painting and shrine boxes, kids craft things, scrap booking, or is it....What exactly is it I do, and what is my medium?

Iron: Jewelry: polymerclay, metal clay, or wire wrapping? Do I have to focus on a medium? or do I make little sculptural thingies and chatchkies?

So, from my list of Irons (and I mostly listed the cons) you can see there is quite a bit there. I didn't even mention maintaining my health, trying to lose weight, or house hold and family management!

Which Iron to I pick up and nurture and pound on and quench and thrust back into the fire so I can pound on it and shape it some more? How do I choose?

And this is why I don't do NYE very well, this over whelms me.

So lets look back at what I did do this year:

I entered Fire Mountains Polymerclay and natural beads competition again. This year I entered 3 pieces, one did make it to advance judging. I wont know until April. Last year my Chapeaux de Neptune made it, place silver and was on the back of Polymer Cafe! It didn't even spark a rise in hits on my etsy site, but it did prompt me to clean up my regular website!

I finally redesigned the cover for the mermaid Skirt pattern, and I really do like my new dancers, I really enjoy drawing and the process. I ended 2011 working on a barbarian for my brother in law's corporate sales meeting t-shirt. (the barbarian is not quite done-I will be finishing him up today).

I joined the Ring A Week challenge on flickerhttp://www.flickr.com/groups/ringaweek/. Some of the most amazing rings were made. I won't say mine were amazing, but I did do all 52 rings in 52 weeks. My 52 rings http://www.flickr.com/photos/23398795@N07/sets/72157625844851422/. And I even managed to sell some of them!
I also joined Thing a week, and unfortunately was not able to keep up with the group.

I learned how to solder! its not silver solder, not there yet, but basic soldering.

I won some really cool stamps on a Facebook enter and win thing.

I went back to grad school. I am studying distance education, the degree I am moving towards is a Masters of Distance Education Technology Specialization. So far in the program I am maintaining a 4.0. Im still trying to figure out what I want with this degree. So far it has opened additional job functions for me, but on a contract basis only.

I cut back vending drastically. I had one commission cancelled and one that I have to cancel, since I just cannot get it to work. I did not excel at con art shows as I had hoped, actually I tanked. I did however, have my best year ever at the Alabama Renaissance Festival and am looking forward to going back this year.

So whats in store for me this year?

Im back in school this semester. I am contemplating taking a break after this semester. I will have earned a graduate certificate, but not the entire degree. A lot depends on what is offered over the summer, and how this semester goes.

The day job has kicked it up a bit, giving me some extra courses I have been wanting to teach for a while, I am very excited by that.

I am planning on entering Fire Mountain's metal clay competition, and wondering if there are other competitions or call for entires I should pursue.

I have joined the Four a Month http://www.flickr.com/groups/1890560@N22/challenge on flickr, to create 4 related pieces a month, this should be fun.

And I'm going to continue to work on my Masters Registry, even if I have not yet officially joined the program

I have a big long to-do list that I just keep chipping away at, hopefully this year I will get all the old stuff crossed off.

Positively stated goals:

My Etsy store earns an abundance of money, I have more than enough to pay off a specific debt and to assist in the payment of other debts, I have more than enough to pay for my new tattoo.

I am on top of all of my projects, and know what I can and cannot conquer. Commissions are taken selectively and not because I feel any sort of desperation.

I have built an amazing reputation for creativity and quality, as displayed by my many winning pieces of art jewelry.

I excel at my day job and bring creativity properly into education.

Heres to a fabulous new year!!

Yahoo!

2011-12-27T00:32:00.005-06:00

Tomorrow I send off (over night delivery of course) a necklace I entered into the Fire Mountain Gems polymer clay competition.
Three years I have entered, and three years I have made it to advanced judging.

Im excited and nervous.

This up coming year I plan on entering the metal clay competition.

I need some other contests and such to enter......

uhm really no excuses

2011-12-18T18:56:00.002-06:00

Ive been MIA, the joys of being a grad student.
Its still no excuse
Ive done very little art in the mean time, a few pieces here and there and everything under deadlines
I let my ring a week habit slip by the wayside and Ive been constantly 4 to 5 weeks behind since October

Not exactly living the dream there.

Im going to do better

Finger "painting" from 30 thousand years ago

2011-10-05T08:11:00.001-05:00

Art school has been around as long as art! Archeologists have found evidence where paleolithic children were given work space and encouragement from adults to practice finger painting.

The original story here: http://www.archaeology.org/news/

Friday, September 30
by Jessica E. Saraceni

A gallery in France’s Cave of a Hundred Mammoths seems to have been set aside as a place for palaeolithic children to practice finger fluting, or creating decorations in soft clay with their fingers. “It shows collaboration between children and adults, and adults encouraging children to make these marks. This was a communal activity,” said Jessica Cooney of Cambridge University. See more of “the world’s first finger paintings” in this video at BBC News.

Video here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15119701

Hey Im vending this Saturday

2011-09-27T21:39:00.000-05:00

Saturday October 1
I will be vending at Art in the Park in Springfield TN.

Saturday 10 to 5
at J. Travis Price Park
4155 Wilkes Road
Springfield, TN 37172

Sea Urchin inspired

2011-08-31T08:47:00.000-05:00

I found this beauty on flickr yesterday.
I love her write up and inspiration for creating it, what a gorgeous piece.

Handmade pricing

2011-08-24T16:41:00.001-05:00

http://whatthecraft.com/overpriced-cant-afford-handmade-pricing/

This post does a great job breaking down costs, I think its important for all hand made items, jewelry or clothing or furniture....

Lovely art work

2011-08-24T09:43:00.002-05:00

I know tattoos aren't for everyone, but I think this is really pretty, found it on a google search, sorry no website address

Building blog traffic tips

2011-08-18T11:25:00.002-05:00

What Chef Gordon Ramsay Can Teach You About Building a Highly-Trafficked Blog
by ANA HOFFMAN
http://diythemes.com/thesis/gordon-ramsay-traffic-building

worth the read, of course how do I implement?

Ammonite earrings from Lotus Arts

2011-08-17T06:57:00.001-05:00

Dig on these groovy ammonite earrings

The are from Lotus Art de Vivre jewelry and I found them from this blog:
http://eclecticjewelryandfashion.blogspot.com/search/label/Lotus%20Arts%20de%20Vivre%20Jewelry

Polymer Clay "Master's" Project List

2011-08-15T09:35:00.005-05:00

I present my PC Mastery List

disclaimer:
I've been thinking ever since I posted this idea just exactly HOW would this work. Ok first of all I am not suggesting that I take over the world of polymer clay and decide what qualifies for a master level polyclay artist. And Im not suggesting that I am going to run a "certification" registry where I judge the quality of another person's work. Heck I'm not even an active guild member for any polymer clay at the moment, so this is just an idea.
An idea of what would make for a well rounded skill set for a polyclay artist. We all have our niches, some of us rock the cane world while others avoid canes like the plague. Some of us are queens of image transfer while others have never managed to get it to work.

But if someone suggests this to one of the guilds I want my name mentioned--I want my "skinner blend" moment --well don't we all?
end disclaimer

What would this consist of? Using the Metal Clay Master's Registry as my model I suggest there be several main categories, and several specific projects. Unlike the Metal Clay Registry I think there are no levels, just do all of the projects on the list. Right now I have 5 to 6 projects per category , 5 categories, and one capstone (show off) project. I've integrated specific projects into the different categories.

I want to make sure I include the following objects:
egg/ornament
tin
pen
light bulb
bead set
inro or box of just clay
These I think are important objects to work on in the development of a polyclay artist's skills.

MY category suggestions are:
color
canes
structure
media
effects

Color, this would look at how to alter color in polymer clay:
1. creating sampler with repeatable color recipes-6 minimum
2. surface patina using alcohol inks or acrylic paints
3. integrating alcohol inks into the clay
4. use of mica pigments in the decorative covering of a lightbulb
5. metal leafing
6. skinner blend

Canes, canes are such an integral part of the polymer clay world I think it is important to be able to demonstrate caning skills, even if they "aren't your thing":
1. create simple geometric cane
2. create complex cane of choice
3. cover a smooth ornament or egg with seamless cane tiles
4. dimensional use of cane slices
5. integration of a ghost cane technique

Structure, this is a great medium for building forms, but its important to be able to control them:
1. free form sculptural jewelry
2. sculpture with armature
3. matching shape and size bead set
4. Inro box pendant
5. high gloss finish from polishing only (no coating)

Media, polymer clay mixes with other media very well
1. integrate materials (semi precious stones, pearls, fibers, glass, crystal)
2. integrate metal
3. integrate findings to add beads to after firing
4. resin to create a high polish
5. usable handle, or cover a pen

Effects, so much can be done
1. Image transfers
2. tear away technique
3. faux materials sampler- 6 minimum
4. mokume gane incorporated into a covered tin design
5. mica shift

Capstone project
This is a super show off your skills project, this would be your "Im going to win the competition" piece, the culmination of your skills. This is the piece if you could only show one thing that demonstrates your mastery of polymer clay. It should integrate multiple techniques.

I have tried to make this comprehensive, I have not only included items I am familiar with or have "mastered." There are definitely projects on this list that will require work.

Space is always so inspiring

2011-08-10T06:52:00.000-05:00

Chithuly

2011-08-04T22:34:00.002-05:00

Chithuly
Originally uploaded by Zoeowyn

And here is the finished bracelet!

Chithuly= I thought it looked like a Chihuly chandelier, my husband thought it was overly Chuthulu.....

This is a completely over populated bracelet with a center piece jeweled octopus made from polymer clay.
Im very proud of myself because I figured out how to solder all the links together.

one center piece octopus,
10 gradation silver to pearl tentacles
4 spirals
4 pearl trumpets
6 stick pearls
4 glass beads with spirals
8 bicone crystals
6 large firepolished glass beads
2 polymer beads
6 pearls with polymer bead caps
10 bead caps
20 shell disks
Im not counting how many jump rings or how many seed beads

My first soldered jump ring

2011-08-04T22:15:00.003-05:00

My first soldered jump ring
Originally uploaded by Zoeowyn

I felt the need to learn to solder today, right this minute.
Actually its a need thats been growing, after all Ive owned the equipment for a while. I just never really had the need. Until the bracelet I wanted to wear started to fall part under its own weight. The links just pulled away from each other at their closing points.

Well I did not want to have all the work on the piece be for naught, so I decided I would solder all those pesky links together. And I did!

It wasn't nearly as hard as I had anticipated. of course developing skill and getting nice clean joins will take practice. But I can totally see how this soldering thing can be so addictive. The way the metal flows, its really nifty.

I was good I did purchase an iron stand for today, and I did wear my googles.

Quilled Paper Version of Van Gogh’s Starry Night Painting

2011-08-03T23:47:00.003-05:00

Check this out, its' awesome!
http://laughingsquid.com/quilled-paper-version-of-van-goghs-starry-night-painting/

and here she shows us the process
http://www.suzyssitcom.com/2011/07/feature-friday-quilled-starry-night.html

How about some pricing help...

2011-08-03T23:43:00.002-05:00

Lauren Venell has written a fabulous article on how to price your work.
You can read the full text here
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2011/08/how-to_price_your_handcrafted.html

My work space

2011-08-02T09:11:00.002-05:00

a before pic
Originally uploaded by Zoeowyn

art room cleaned
Originally uploaded by Zoeowyn

I have a very interesting work space.
I can only do so much in it. I share a room with my mother. She paints. she has half the room and I have the other half. And since it used to be the formal dining room Im not exactly allowed to put up shelving or anything.

I realize I am lucky to have a dedicated space. Since before my space was the living room table, and that stopped when I had kids.

The current space is a room right off the entry and hall, and on the way to the garage. So it has become a weigh station of things coming in and going out, and unfortunately becomes a dumping ground for stuff other than art (like my book bags, things that need to transition down to the garage, stuff like that).

Im working on maintaining it clean, but that require hours a month. It tends to look more like a disaster area than it does a tidy work space.

Bronze urn-lessons learned

2011-07-23T14:34:00.001-05:00

bronze urn
Originally uploaded by Zoeowyn

I was thrilled to learn about bronze clay, I immediately thought about making little vessels. I LOVE making silver urns. And just figured bronze urns would be so much more appropriate, especially when I do all sorts of greek design elements.

The more I learned about bronzclay and having to fire it embedded in carbon the more intimidated by the process I became. A two step firing process? yikes.

And then to add to that the fragile state the pieces would be in during transfer to the carbon.

And then all of my failed attempts at making good quality slip.

Well I just didn't go there. Until this past week.

I got ballsy with my bronze!
I put some in a syringe.
I made slip.
I did a burn out firing.

I completely messed it up, and learned soooo much!

Lessons learned:

• don't bother with essential oils and clay, to make slip just use water and a truly air tight container. The oil goes funky--I have a small pot of almost slip, and its funky smelling, and its oxidized, the slip in the water, no oxidation.

• the syringe is a b*0tch if there is too much air in it. It doesnt flow as easily as clay in a syringe. Make it goey-er and more slip like for the syringe.

• two phase burn out, not so intimidating. It needs to burn out at 900° for about an hour. In my case I still had to scoop out the cork, so next time Im going for a longer burn. And dont freak out by all the black on the piece, it fully sinters to a lovely color.

• Steel mesh is a must for open vessels. I think one of the reasons my urn broke so much was how much carbon got into it before it shrank.

• and Bronzclay really wants to be thicker. This urn would have been fine in silver form, but it was too delicate for the bronze, broken vines and such would be better if thicker.

I can't wait to make some more and try again!

The Hunger Games

2011-07-20T21:45:00.000-05:00

We "do" costumes at our house. My daughter is thinking that she might want to be Katniss. Last year I made a necklace for her waterbender costume, this year, looks like Im making a mockingjay pin

Master's Registry

2011-07-20T16:26:00.004-05:00

I was explaining to my children what I'm considering doing. I was telling them about the patina sampler, and thats why I was making plain bronze tags. Well I now have 2 helpers. They are all about the science experimentation.
We began hypothesizing what if we used xyz chemicals or food products.
I explained that i don't think anything that is a cleaner or acidic will work, but in the name of science and experimentation we will go for it.

Tag one: FINALLY got my ammonia jar set up. I have a bronze tag that has been fired tumble burnished, then polished with wendol. I then re-fired the tag, so it has a matte finish. The top half of the tag has been hand burnished and polished. I do not think the initial burnishing and polishing will have any impact on the ammonia results, just want to provide and accurate history of the tag.

I was contemplating if I should do the glass panels or skip them, then I realized, I've already done them--sort of. When I first got my kiln, I made several pages of glass tests to see what glass bits that were available at the local craft shops at the time would do what. Now that dicroic supplies are available at Hobby Lobby I might just do that as well.

Also time to put the funds aside to pay for this. I've got $5 in a box as of today.

Things that make you go hmmmmm

2011-07-19T10:20:00.002-05:00

If polymer clay had a Master's Registry list of accomplishable tasks for certain skill levels, I wonder what would be on that list?
Any ideas?

Developing my skills

2011-07-18T22:05:00.003-05:00

When I first got into metal clay, it was awesome, I was addicted. My husband bought a class for me for valentine's day, he knew I wanted to try it. We were very strapped for cash, but he saved lunch money and did it (he is amazing at doing stuff like that for me). He also did it knowing I would probably be hooked.

My obsession gradually led to certification classes (ok they were actually the only classes happening in town, so of course...)

And lots and lots of various projects.....

I want to be more than just hooked, and making lots of "stuff." I want to be good. I want to make sure my skills are where they need to be.

This has led me to the Master's Registry.
At this point Im not sure if I want to financially commit, or if I just want to work myself through the projects and develop my skills and knowledge base.

I've already begun work on the patina sampler, and Im researching what I want to do for my votive figure.
This will be interesting, and fun.

What does 100 grams look like?

2011-07-14T09:27:00.001-05:00

my latest 100 grams
Originally uploaded by Zoeowyn

This is my latest batch of bronzclay. This is everything I made with 100 grams, not including the scrap bits left over to make slip.

Some of the pieces I made polymer clay prototypes. I cant say I've actually ever done that before. I definitely need to do that again!

I have a few toggles, they are easy to make, and having my own clasps Im finding I enjoy incorporating into my work.

Several molded things for future bracelets or pendants, and at least 1 future ring (the maltese cross--Im making a Templar ring, going to fauxnamel the cross red).

I haven't worked in a few months with lump clay--painting slip on leaves isnt the same. Its such a wonderful feeling, and then the results. Im amazed every time. And more than half the time I fall in love with the kiln patina. Silver doesn't do that!

I made a gauge so I can remember where the best butter yellow color occurs and the best rainbowing with in the carbon. Its fun to play with that, and then again its also fun just to see what happens.

So half of this stuff is in the tumble burnishing up, the other half Im not sure what Im doing with it, and the unfired half, well (hey thats 3 halves, oops I guess I meant to say thirds) well the last bits, Im ready to dive right in and work on more today!

Bronze spiral ring of the week

2011-07-13T15:50:00.005-05:00

Bronze spiral
Originally uploaded by Zoeowyn

I joined ring a week for several reasons.
Read my previous posts here, and here.

But as I slam together rings just to meet my weekly deadlines I sort of wonder: am I meeting my original artistic expectations?

I don't think I am. ( I am playing with the "big kids," I am being inspired, I am not improving my skill set)
I think I am producing more bleck. I need to fix this. I need to focus. I need to realize Im not going to produce a work of art if Im struggling to keep up, or spend 20 minutes slapping something together.

I started this year with sketches and ideas. I need to go back to those ideas. I need to have some more challenging designs and know that I will take a month to complete some designs. And that means I need some more simplified ideas to fill in the gaps.

I am almost caught back up, and this spiral ring was my easy quick ring for this week, while I continue to work on the fish ring. Fish ring= big fancy skill reminder.

I think Im going to go for one big time consuming ring to be proud of a month, and throw in some fast little intermediate design.

Icons as jewelry

2011-07-13T09:37:00.000-05:00

This icon from world of warcraft I think this would make an amazing center piece for a big chunky necklace.
It needs turquoise and amethyst beads

Revamping the website!

2011-07-08T12:37:00.003-05:00

Im revamping my web site. Dont want to be embarrassed when the ad goes live.
Currently its a links resource for my stuff.
The goal is to have this blog feed show up at that location , probably a frame set issue, and to have a really nice gallery collection.
As well as have the etsy site show up at that location, again a frameset issue I believe.

Yesterday i sat down to do this, and everything I new about CSS and Dreamweaver ran away to the north pole. Fortunately I was able to coax back that knowledge and revise my home page.

You can take a look at it here: www.lauramedeiros.com
Feed back is welcome!

Am I good enough...for you?

2011-07-07T23:03:00.004-05:00

Art Impostor
Originally uploaded by Zoeowyn

This is a creative whinge.
Artistic whine.

You might need some crackers and cheese to go along with it.

I know I am not the only artist to ever feel this way: like all my creativity has drained away. I have no more good ideas, and I possibly never had any to begin with.
I am surrounded by some AMAZING artists and I produce detritus.

And all of this is happening while I am in the middle of what should be the most amazing artistic high.
My ad for Fire Mountain is about to be released on the back of Polymer Cafe. Im still in awe and shock. I did that accomplishment.
How on earth did I manage that? Me, when I feel barren of good ideas.
I know I worked hard on my little hat, but I've worked hard before without recognition or reward.

Impostor Syndrome is a term to describe the condition of not feeling qualified or deserving of the work one is doing, or a sense of inadequacy even though facts indicate the opposite. Apparently it is something that artists supper from. I think I am fully in the throws of it now.

Please don't think Im fishing for complements, I'm not (I do love them and appreciate them). Im not trying to drum any up for and ego fest. I'm trying to recognize the creative slumps come with creative highs, and how to get away from them. How does one maintain a certain level of creativity. I don't expect everything I do to be amazing, but wouldn't it be nice to be able to create at such a high level consistently.

Tomorrow a friend and I are going to make some creative destruction journals. She has one she acquired from the book store. We are going to make modified ones for our kids. And one for me. Im hoping that the pressure of completing competition pieces, being turned down to vend at a local arts festival, can be resolved by the creative destruction of a journal.

And then Im going to find my personal reserve of awesome sauce. I'm going to make some nifty cool pieces. Im going to stop making pieces that I find to be mediocre or just enough to get by with. Im going to realize that just because a style is popular with artist does not mean I need to work that way, and I don't need to "make something like that." Im going to start technically and creatively challenge myself. I am good enough for someone, what I need to be is good enough for me!

Cute octopus

2011-07-06T01:23:00.000-05:00

I love this ring on sew many levels.....

2011-07-04T14:05:00.005-05:00

Perri Jackson is an amazing wire artist. She makes some of the most amazing wire wrapped rings. But this one....

POD on a Hand
Originally uploaded by ShaktipajDesigns

This one I LOVE!

Let me tell you a little story that might explain why:

Once upon a time a crazy girl went to the movies and there was a poster for an upcoming movie. A revisit of a classic by a wacky film maker. Some nice gentleman in the line to see the next movie offered to take a picture of the crazy girl and her friend. And thats how it all started.

Here is the picture, as you can see there I am, and there behind me is the Mad Hatter hat. And look its a mini, and notice how my hair matches his hair?

Well thats where the idea came from: I need a girly mad hatter costume! Can you see it? a mini hatter hat, a corset instead of a vest, a plaid tutu instead of the kilt at the end? Of course Im built a little more like the Tweedles (Dee and Dum) so Im going really sssslllooooooowwww on the construction of this costume.

Step one: theHat

here I am in my finished mini version of my polymer clay hat--its heavy but it works

Now back to the ring.....

Here we have Johnny Depp in full costume. And almost impossible to find is a picture showing him with the pin cushion ring.

See? The Mad Hatter wears a pin cushion ring!!!
But his ring is not nearly as awesome as the ring by Perri!
Heres a link to her Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/shaktipajdesigns
and a link to her blog http://shaktipajdesigns.com/blog/

And because I love this ring so much, I need to wrap up this post with another picture of it

Plain POD
Originally uploaded by ShaktipajDesigns

Watermelon Carvings

2011-06-29T04:37:00.000-05:00

Its too pretty to eat

Captcha

2011-06-22T15:30:00.004-05:00

this is totally random, and only mildly linked to art, but...
I am totally intrigued by captcha words
you know those words or randomness that you have to type in when you leave a comment on some one's blog.

They make me think of futuristic alien words, or maybe they are secret hidden words of power, like the lost symbol from Dan Brown's book.

today's word was: playsa

and now I am thinking of beaches in tropical and mythical places.

Words can influence our art, or does our art influence the meaning we give to words?

Dumbo Octopus

2011-06-22T09:20:00.000-05:00

Isn't he cute

Gargoyles

2011-06-15T09:12:00.002-05:00

"The Spitting Gargoyle" perches above Paris from the Galerie des Chimères of Notre Dame Cathedral, keeping watch over the denizens of the city far below. Technically a chimera and not a gargoyle (gargoyles typically act as ornate gutter spouts), the half-man, half-beast may unnerve some, but millions of visitors have been enchanted by this stony guardian of the City of Lights. (http://www.art.com/products/p10374457-sa-i997765/gargoyle-on-notre-dame-paris-france.htm?rfid=220421)

Whether you’re channeling a gothic vibe, looking to add a touch of Old Europe to your décor, or just delight in eclectic art pieces, gargoyles and chimeras are interesting, conversation starting additions to almost any decorating style. Find our complete collection of art featuring gargoyles and chimeras at http://www.art.com/gallery/id--b21042/gargoyles-posters.htm?rfid=220421.

Gargoyle on Notre Dame, Paris, France Art Print
item #: 10374457A
http://www.art.com/products/p10374457-sa-i997765/gargoyle-on-notre-dame-paris-france.htm?rfid=220421

reposted from www.art.com,

There has to be an easier way

2011-06-07T10:35:00.004-05:00

I am finding the process of taking pictures, and getting them out of my camera and uploaded to be a bit of a bear.
There has to be a better way to do this.

i havent gotten my vacation pics uploaded yet, and I haven't gotten my rings uploaded for several weeks. The last ring I have in my flickr set for RAW 2011 is week 17, and its week 23. But I actually have the rings made, so now its feels to me and looks online like Im a slacker.

Ok time to stop whining about technology and go see if I can get the pictures from my camera to my computer.

This picture is too cute:
http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/staticfiles/NGC/StaticFiles/Images/Show/31xx/316x/3160_Hunter_Polar_bears-4_04700300.jpg

I was just looking for some clip art, and found an actual bear looking at a camera. This is from National Geographic, trust them to have this type of image

Pirates pirates pirates

2011-06-01T09:42:00.000-05:00

Im so making more pirate stuff!

Steam Punk

2011-05-29T15:54:00.002-05:00

More random notes from that random notebook. A few years ago I was interviewed to explain what Steam Punk was. This was JUST before all the books hit the shelves. I mean within weeks. From my notes it looks like I was starting to gather some resources, and possibly come up with a book on my own, or more likely just write an actual article.
Probably just as well that I did not.

But, I really don't want those notes to go to waste so......my notes, a bit cleaned up

Steam Punk is a genre that has been around for quite a while. The name however, was coined in the 1990s by K. W. Jeter to label a type of Victorian-era futurism.

Stylistically its very big in video games and anime and manga.

Why is it all of a sudden popular? Popular culture takes time to catch up with trends in sub-cultures. Steam punk even has some of its own sub culture groupings:
clock punk, diesel punk, goth
Diesel punk is like Steam punk, but with more of a 1920's Art Deco type of origins as opposed to Victorian era origins.

The look in crafts relies heavily on gears and watch parts.
Brass filigree stamps, the combination of industrial and lacy.

Think vintage science fiction, fantasy mechanics, vacuum tubes, dirigibles, steam power, gears and cog wheels

Who has components: CFOriginals.com, jewelrylessons.com, hardware store, Tim Holtz (ok that was then now you can get Lisa Pavelka gears at Hobby Lobby).

That cell phone: waay cool, but cell phones are not steam punk. Any way found that image from this blog post http://justtenbooks.blogspot.com/2010/11/ten-steampunk-books.html
Which is great because my book list was a bit shorter-all books on my list are on this list, I just didn't have as many. Of course NOW there are a ton!

My TV and movies list however was a bit more fleshed out.
Movies:
League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
Around the World in 80 Days (specifically the one with Jackie Chan)
Wild Wild West
Van Helsing
Hellboy
Young Sherlock Holmes
Brazil
Steam Boy
Atlantis (Disney animated)

TV shows
Wild Wild West
Brisco Country Jr
Secret Adventure of Jules Vern (which I LOVED)

Totally inspirational

2011-05-25T15:52:00.002-05:00

This is where I was last Wednesday.
JAMAICA!!
Croydon Plantation to be exact.

Very inspirational, ive already made and broke (boo-hoo) a pineapple ring for the RAW challenge.

Taxes, notes, vending

2011-05-25T15:43:00.003-05:00

I had to do yet another round of annual taxes yesterday. The joys of running a small business.
I noticed that at one fair I did pretty darn good as far as sales were considered. Especially when I counted in the follow up purchase from a shop.
Maybe I should go back to that festival, I thought as I continued to number crunch.

Today cleaning out a random notebook with random notes (trying ever so hard to minimize this whole "where did I put that?" situation I live in) I found my notes from said craft show.
I found how much I paid to vend. I also found notes on how much it cost me in gas, and how much it cost me in hotel fees and food.

Oh yeah, now I remember why I'm not going back. My vending costs were almost as much as I made. Not worth it.

Oh well, off to look at more random notes from this notebook.

Feed ME!

2011-05-10T16:40:00.001-05:00

Feed ME!
Originally uploaded by Zoeowyn

Ring a who?
Technically I am behind by only 1 week, but I feel so much further behind.
Im going to crank out two mediocre rings at best just to catch up. But I have been so overwhelmed with stress from the day job its hard to focus. Also why is my art area also a dumping ground? The living room got vacuumed, yet its my art area that gets ALL the floor stuff moved to, and not moved back. Not happy. I only have so much time to do stuff, cleaning up after other people's dump into my art area is not something I want to do, so it then puts me off art, which makes me cranky, and then Im ready to be fed a dentist.... (reference to Audry II the ring pictured here).
I need to stop whining and get creating!

SQUEEEEEE

2011-05-09T07:57:00.001-05:00

Fire Mountain Gems-Your Jewelry Design is Now Showcased

Dear Laura

Congratulations !!

Your Jewelry Design “Chapeau de Nemo” will be featured as our Magazine Advertisement in Polymer Café Magazine the August 2011 Issue.

When we receive this publication we will send you a copy for your enjoyment.

Here is a link to the magazine’s web site http://www.scottpublications.com/pcmag/

On behalf of myself and the Jewelry-Making Contest Team, we would like to thank you for making every day extraordinary by sharing your unique designs in our Jewelry-Making Contest, and allowing us to showcase your individual creativity

Why I have an assignment like this....

2011-05-04T08:36:00.006-05:00

It annoys some students, because they don't get "it," but I actually assign a "Project Runway" type project in Art History. They spend all semester studying a specific artist of their choice, at the end of the semester they have to create an illustration of a fashion design, as if it was created by their artist. An interpretation of that artists thoughts and techniques, applied in a very different medium.

Thank you Mattel and Barbie for providing me with a bang up example to show the students.
Hey guys THIS is why you need to be able to make these mental leaps.
THIS is why you study art history, so that when you are creative director for some company you can push for cool projects like this!

BTW I LOVE the Klimt doll, but I think the van Gogh dress really takes it to the next level!!
Look at the details, the shoes!

Article at If Its Hip Its Here Mattel Releases New Fine Art Dolls. The DaVinci, Van Gogh & Klimt Barbies.

Its done!

2011-04-28T20:45:00.004-05:00

Well after a long process, that was longer than I thought it should be I finished this ring.

This ring serves many purposes:

• I wanted to up my skill level in what I was presenting and working on with the RAW challenge

• I wanted to play with shapes, there are a lot of really cool geometric rings out there, I wanted to try one

• I felt the need to make a commemorative ring

Lets start with the commemorative part:

I am a dorky fan girl. I have accepted this, its just part of who I am, and I currently have a huge crush on Peter Steele.

I have a thing for tall dark broody guys with long black hair and green eyes. (This basically describes my husband--I've already admitted Im fairly shallow and have a limited "type" of guy I will look twice at--and my husband finds this all completely amusing.) Peter Steele was the epitome of tall dark and handsome. He was 6'8"ish, had traffic-light green eyes, and long long black hair. He wrote, sang , and played bass for Type O Negative. His voice was like dark chocolate, deep and resonating, and he was built like Conan the Barbarian. Unfortunately he died last year.

I was actively sketching ideas for a commemorative piece to mark the anniversary of his death. I was not originally playing with geometric shapes (I was looking at artistic representations of a penis, heck the man's stage name was Peter Steele and he was the first model for Play Girl to pose erect). I then sort of ditched the idea, and thought I had moved on to just working out some geometric ideas--not related to a commemorative piece--when I realized I was recreating the Type O Negative logo. I ran with that idea (and I could wear it around my kids with out having to explain why mommy has a penis on her finger).

I admit Im not some long time fan of the band, they had minimal impact on my life. Yes I heard their music, heck I even remember the video for Black No. 1 (Its really hard to forget a guy who can play a stand up bass like a guitar) but I didn't really know who they were. I was more familiar with Peter's face because he would show up on websites for some of my favorite authors as an example of what character X, who just happened to be a vampire or a werewolf, would look like. Yes Im a huge paranormal smut- I mean romance- book reader. For some reason Peter Steele's death has turned me into a fan, and artistically has impacted some projects in very interesting and good ways. So, no, I originally wasn't out to make a band fan-girl ring. But now I have I am glad I have.

The original design was plain silver, the second version involved green stones in the center part and an enamel channel, I love the look of enamel and stones.. well that was a disaster. The enamel has actually always been "fauxnamel" I found the PERFECT finger nail polish color. After I finally gave up on the stones, I made a new band with a channel for enamel.

The fauxnameling process was easy, and I took it slow in layers. It looks pretty good, and Im just not really an enamel kind of gal.

I've learned a bit more about ring making with PMC on this project:
• Even if you plan on doubling up the shanks eventually, make them 5+ cards thick
• The standard 2 hour 1650 firing schedule will shrink PMC+ even more, and it makes for a stronger ring
• no matter how thick and dry a pile of slip looks, its still not going to be as structurally sound as if it were made from lump clay
• if the project looks like it would work better using traditional metal smithing techniques, thats probably the case--this ring probably would have been easy breezy with cut pound and solder
• I need more tools- a circle template is a must, now I have to go digging thru my old art school tools, since I know I have one
• planning ahead helped a lot. Making the cardboard mock up to see how it would go together was a project saver.
• drying forms are a must, I made some U shaped drying forms for box rings, and I am really glad I did.
• I need to work on my finishing skills. Yes I made this ring for me, but from a technical stand point and construction, its a mess. Its embarrassingly bad for a level 2 PMC artisan.
• If you do use the standard firing schedule, make the ring more than 2 sizes up. I made this ring size 11 to fit my chubby 9 finger, it shrank even further and fits my pinky.

I would do a whole lot of things differently if I were to do it again. Would I? If I do it will be in bronze or copper, and then I have to use a whole different set of construction techniques from the silver. This may not be a bad thing.
Honestly if I were ever to try to do it again, I would learn how to do it with traditional methods.

PIRATES!!!

2011-04-27T07:20:00.001-05:00

Need I say more?
Pirates!
And I have no idea why I couldn't find this poster in English, but hey just proving its a world wide thang!

Time to make more piratical hair clips and lanyard pulls

Ring Woes

2011-04-21T11:41:00.007-05:00

Ive been working on this ring for a bit now.

I designed it on paper-yes it all started with a sketch.
I made a paper board mock up.

And then I started to make it in metal clay. Its taken a bit longer than I had anticipated also. Bummer.
The idea was simple, the mock up a breeze, the actual execution
A NIGHTMARE!!!

I decided this needed to be silver, and not use bronze, its based on a logo for a dark metal band (yes I am a fan girl). And the inset of green enamel will work best against silver.
That and the silver clay is "easier" to work with--yeah right.

The U easy
the top circle with a channel, not so bad, but not perfect
the main shank: EVIL!

The original intension was to set 3 green stones
the shank kept breaking, the setting breaking
That piece broke and was fixed 5 times. I "finally" had it right, one last clean up of the stones and it disintegrated.
It broke in 4 places, then one sectioned crumbled.

Ok that shank with stones needed to be redesigned.
I was going to simplify.
So simple shank, with a basic rectangular channel for enamel.

let the 3 components dry.
Wash of slip and squish them together.

So far so good, then the shank breaks, just where it separates and goes solo.
Slip squish fix fix fix
add more clay

A little filing, everything is good.
So into the kiln it goes.

YAY! not yet....

The whole thing shrunk just a tad bit more than I intended, thats actually ok, since work hardening would stretch it just enough. so I started to tap it back into shape. And I do mean tap. then snap, and pop

The shank broke, and the top circle popped off the U.

Fixed, this time lots and lots and lots of slip and clay.

It survived being refined, it all looked good. In the kiln, it came out looking great. Back on the mandrel and tap tap tap pop.

Drat.

Well its all slipped up again, lets hope third times a charm.

I will share what I've learned, when this is finished.

Inspirational Film Making

2011-04-20T05:34:00.000-05:00

Hobbit Video Blog!
SQUEEEE!
this is Peter Jackson's vlog from filming day one from the set!

Hell is a hockey town!

2011-04-18T10:24:00.004-05:00

Well, maybe not, but....
The other day I was wondering around Hobby Lobby, just cause. I had no intension of buying anything, I was just killing time will the girls were across the street at sewing class.
As I turned down the clay isle, my intension was to look at the resin molds. Im having a difficult time finding nice dimple free wells to use with resin--I've had to send 2 back to Firemountain already--no nipples on my molds thankyouverymuch (especially since these arent nipple molds!)
Then I saw it...
just a little pack of gears and bits from Lisa Pavelka
in the store!

I usually snag these findings from Christie Freisen, or other online sources, or demolish watches myself.
But I have never seen them available in a local store.

And Hobby Lobby to boot!

And I m thrilled I can get steampunk elements commercially, No I don't think its a sell out I think its wonderful, I can finally get my fingers on this stuff, after years of drooling over it!
yyay!

Here are some links to aquiring steampunk gears for use in crafts, if your local Hobby Lobby does not carry them:

https://www.lisapavelka.com/Findings-Mountings.asp
http://www.firemountaingems.com/details.asp?PN=H201325AS
http://store.cforiginals.net/libagostgo.html
and lots of options of etsy
http://www.etsy.com/search/supplies?ref=auto&q=steampunk+gears+parts

Annual Peep Show

2011-04-13T08:51:00.003-05:00

These are a hoot!
This years contest winners can bee seen at http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/peeps-show-v/2011/04/11/AF3NYHSD_gallery.html

Almost missed another wednesday!

2011-04-06T09:55:00.002-05:00

heres an AMAZING wire wrap artist for you to drool over
I am
http://www.izamalczyk.com/en/gallery-366-2453,2.html

Elizabeth Taylor

2011-03-23T08:16:00.002-05:00

RIP
Now this is a face that inspired hundreds if not thousands over the years

Bride of Cthulhu

2011-03-21T19:13:00.006-05:00

bride of cthulhu
Originally uploaded by Zoeowyn

I finally finished her!

I made this muse, shortly after seeing Percy Jackson. I call all my decorated faces muses.
I was playing with a combination of Medusa, and tentacles.
What can I say?
I really like making tentacles, they are fun, and squishy, and Im always somewhere between a playful giggle or a wicked cackle when Im working with them.

I had a hard time making the jump from straight polymer to painted and finished polymer. You can see her face pre-patina.

I like the un-patina-ed polymer, but I always love the results when I do finally make that step. It seems to give it extra depth.

I wanted to make big stand up tentacles, but am saving those for a different collar piece. The tentacles here really feel very claw like, and add a tribal feeling to the piece. Im really happy with her.

Wednesday Inpiration

2011-03-16T10:43:00.002-05:00

More of the things I like!
Check this out, its awesome
http://laughingsquid.com/cardboard-octopus-outfit/
its made from cardboard!

The Creative Process

2011-03-14T10:50:00.000-05:00

Definitely worth sharing
http://the99percent.com/articles/7001/10-Awesome-Videos-On-Idea-Execution-The-Creative-Process

Salvador Dali

2011-03-09T08:57:00.005-06:00

Dali meets Durer--way cool!
http://www.virtualdali.com/

Meet Caravaggio

2011-03-02T08:18:00.000-06:00

http://blogs.monografias.com/sistema-limbico-neurociencias/2010/06/16/meet-caravaggio/

smart smart smart

2011-03-01T13:30:00.000-06:00

http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2011/02/crafting_your_online_presence_3.html

So, are you famous?

2011-02-28T08:51:00.008-06:00

For some random reason I follow some writers' blogs.
The random reason being I actually know these people, and I get all squee and happy to know that my friends have "done it."
Well this morning in an attempt to not get started with my Monday I have been dipping in and out of various blog-lands.
I mired myself in The Blood Red Pencil and came across a post regarding annoying questions and how to deal with them:
http://bloodredpencil.blogspot.com/2010/12/6-questions-not-to-ask-writer.html

Question #2 Are you famous?
I think there is a better answer here, than what was presented.
Yes, yes I am famous, but in very select limited circles, in small mountainous countries in Asia Minor.

It really doesn't matter how "famous" you are if I have never heard of you.

Case in point:
Baseball.
I do not follow sports, unless they are in the movies, or the sport person has become such a celebrity you cannot avoid it, or the As are playing the Giants in the world series, and there is a massive earthquake.

So, hubby and I are drinking our hot beverage of choice at that chain place of expensive hot beverages, and we see a tour bus negotiate traffic and pull in. Well the side of the bus is COVERED in the Atlanta Braves and Academy Sports, and some other stuff. It looked like one of those NASCAR cars covered in ads. But all the ads were for the Braves. So hubby is doctoring his drink at the bar with some of the guys who got off the bus, and he asks them if they got off the bus, are they base ball players, and what were they doing. He got a general low down of sportsman ambassadorship, going out making store appearances meeting fans. Hubby came back to sit with me, commented on them being short, and for really expensive jeans that guy was wearing they did nothing for his butt, and he really did have quite the muscular butt did he not. Hey when you are sitting at butt level staring straight ahead and you see a field of butts....well, just saying.

Afterwards I asked if I should have been more impressed or not, after all they are wildly famous to someone, I just have no clue who they are.

So if anyone ever asks if you are famous, say yes. Somebody, even if it is just your goldfish, thinks you are a rock star. And, if you are an actual rock star, don't expect me to know who you are, I might not listen to your kind of music (or sport).

Hermit Elephant

2011-02-25T14:29:00.004-06:00

Hermit Elephant
Originally uploaded by Zoeowyn

Artist groups frequently discuss or analyze where does inspiration come from. The standard "pageant" answer is "I find my inspiration in nature." Well bully for them, cause I don't.

I don't find inspiration, it hunts me down and smacks me on the head.
Lorena Angulo has been making these AMAZING paper clay rings.

I have been really inspired to make something along the lines of that shape, of course my deity pack would look awesome in the bright colors. Since ever since her first altar ring

I have been thinking a Ganesh alter ring would be awesome. Then looking at the style and color of her paper clay rings Im thinking Ganesh and Kali, and Shiva.... you get the idea. Well Im letting that idea stew some more, and you will probably see some of those happen --especially after i visit the Vishnu exhibit at the Frist

So Here I am thinking about elephant gods, shrines, colorful and square rings. And Im listening to Hat Full of Sky by Terry Pratchett who is just brilliant beyond belief, and the book starts talking about the thin skinned hermit elephant of Howondaland.

Yeah, well there ya have it. It all comes in from various places, gets all mixed up in my head, then it says Ta-da here I am with a fying pan to the back of the head.

I present my Hermit Elephant of Howondaland ring. It is on a square base, yes a visual nod to Lorena's ring shape, it is an elephant, though not a pink Ganesh, and well....that sort of explains my inspiration process.

From Wikipedia:
Hermit Elephant
A native of Howondaland, the hermit elephant is a close relative of the more commonly known elephant. However, the Hermit elephant has an uncommonly thin and vulnerable skin by comparison to these. In order to protect itself, the hermit elephant will walk into a village, enter a house or hut and lift it upon its back, carrying it away. As it grows, the elephant will periodically shed its house in favor of a new, larger one, much like hermit crabs. Hermit elephants frequently travel in herds, and these can easily be mistaken for villages if found while the animals are resting. Mentioned in Men at Arms, Hat Full of Sky.

Really, nothing is new

2011-02-23T00:12:00.002-06:00

This is a terminus bead on a German Rosary circa 1500.
This is an amazing piece of art

Ring a week--Why?

2011-02-21T14:00:00.004-06:00

This is the first blog carnival for RAW 2011, sort of like a web ring but, then again sort of not.

What was my inspiration to join in RAW 2011
The short answer: I wanted to play with the cool kids

The long answer: this delves into much soul searching and art growth, and acceptance, and being a joiner, and stuff like that. It all basically comes down to the short answer: I want to play with the cool kids. I actually go into a bit more detail in a previous blog post: http://zoeowyn.blogspot.com/2011/01/ring-week.html

I am finding why I stay even though I am quite frequently intimidated by the amazingly high levels of craftsmanship and creativity, I am inspired beyond belief. And I am trying new techniques that I may have not considered before. And I am encouraged to actually complete some ideas, and let them be more than just ideas on a piece of paper.

Find out what inspired others to join:

Joanne Harrill - www.jojobell.com
Thomasin Durgin - www.metalriot.blogspot.com
Amy Nicole - www.rubymtnbeads.blogspot.com
Janice - www.doxallodesigns.blogspot.com
Aleksandra Micic - www.micicart.blogspot.com
Lana Chu - www.ginkgoglass.wordpress.com
Evelyn Markasky - www.markasky.blogspot.com
Kerry Alice-Twigs and Heather - www.twigsandheather.blogspot.com
Lorena Angulo- blog.lorenaangulo.com/
Kate Jones-- www.katejonesdesign.blogspot.com
Maria Apostolou- www.createjewelry.gr/blog
Sarah Small - www.bysalla.blogspot.com
Rebecca Bogan - www.Adobesol.com/blog
Elaine Luther - www.CreativeTextureTools.com/news
Rebekah Timlin Meddles - www.lunasadesigns.blogspot.com
Laura M (Zoeowyn)- zoeowyn.blogspot.com/
Kimberly (bahamadawn) - www.bahamadawn.blogspot.com
Erin Austin - www.metalmusing.blogspot.com
Catherine Witherell - www.happydayart.typepad.com
Michele Grady- www.michelegradydesigns.blogspot.com
Joan Furilla - jfurilla.wordpress.com/
Kathryn Cole- www.kathryncolejewelry.blogspot.com

Uhm yeah, taxes- My top 10 tips

2011-02-18T09:39:00.004-06:00

I am not a professional, and in no way should the tips offered here be followed in lieu of following professional tax accountant help. But, I have done my own taxes for years.
I started when I had my first job and I had to file a 1040EZ. Dad made sure I knew how to do it. My friend's fathers were doing their taxes from their pitiful first jobs, but me, no I did my own.
By the time I was in college I had a had my own small (ok micro) business and I had to file a 1040, and a schedule C. So, when my roommate freaked out because she didn't know how to file a 1040EZ, cause Dad always did it, and Dad decided she needed to grow up and do it, I was sailing through a huge book, on put this number here, and that number there.
I never really made enough at my micro biz, but enough to claim it. And unfortunately, once in the long form you can never go back to the EZ, well ok someone told me and I believed them. Anyway within a few more years I was "working" for myself so it didn't really matter.
My first year out of college, after my short stint as an intern I was on my own. I couldn't find a job, but I could find projects, so I ran with it. Man I had Moxie in spades back then. I cold called like a fiend, I gave everyone and their uncle my resume. My resume rocked. And I did my own taxes with the help of Mac-n-Tax. Yeah it cost extra, after all I was on a Mac, but it didn't cost as much as a professional. After all, I was making enough to help with the rent, and cover food. Right off or not, professional tax help was not an option.

So now, as I work to grow my hobby (its not a hobby its a calling) into a stronger money maker, I am reading all kinds of fun little articles. Some are helpful, a ton don't really say anything--they are more blathering blogs (just like this one). And now that it is "tax season" a bunch are giving tax tips.

I am pleased to say I have yet to read a tip I didn't really know before.

Here are some tips that I haven't seen this year, I AM NOT A PROFESSIONAL TAX PERSON, I am sharing from having learned these lessons the hard way. Someone should benefit from my pain, so it wasn't all in vain.

1• If you own a house you have access to a whole lot more deductions than as a renter.

2• If you work from home, in your home, calculate the percentage of time you are "at work" vs the percentage that is "being at home." You can take that work percentage and figure out how much of your electricity and other utilities are "office expenses."

3• Calculate the square footage of your office space, vs the total square footage of your home. That percentage is your office rent, from your rent--of course when your "office" is a desk in a shared room you are limited to the desk space. --Yeah I learned that one AFTER we converted my full room office into a bed room for a baby. And my office percentage ended up being something lame like $5 a month.

4• Track your business calls in a little notebook. Go through your phone records with a highlighter, all those out of network calls to clients count. But they need to be documented. AND the printed statements from the phone company are way smaller, and take less paper than your printing it and using all your printer ink at home. Green for them costs you paper and ink.

5• You need to have support documentation for milage, if that is how you calculate your auto expenses. Even if its one of those cheap little pocket calendars (and right now those are dirt cheap on sale) where you write your travel info down. This little paper trail can easily fit into the file folder where you keep other tax documents--and its not on your smart phone or your palm pilot (anyone still have those?)

6• If you plan on tracking entertaining, or business meetings that involve food, make a note on the receipt then and there. Notes last longer than your memory.

7• The first year you actually make "a lot" of money and didn't put any aside for your Social Security taxes, and that last minute put 2 grand in an IRA will give you a huge deduction is just a point and laugh situation, because you haven't seen $2,000 in one place, let alone within 2 months, you can make monthly payments to the IRS. But they won't tell you about that. They want you to pay them in one bank breaking, credit card maxing swoop, and by the 15th of April. Well you can make payments, you have to file extra forms, you have to ask for those forms--this is one of those forms that is not out on the table at the library.

8• All those listing fees, and transaction fees on Ebay, Etsy, PayPal are deductible--the cost of doing business.

9• Those professional tax-in -the-box places will charge you a higher percentage if you run a business. I know several people who work those seasonal tax places, they are not professional accountants or tax people. They have been trained to run the software, and its just a propriety version of the type of software you get with Turbo Tax. If you need professional tax help, get a real--full time, all year long, professional tax person.

10• You need to be organized throughout the year. This will make tax time so much easier. Collect and document your receipts every month to 6 weeks to quarter. Document the receipts the same way every year based on the listings in your taxes. I use Excel, the categories in my spread sheet match the categories in my taxes. Its a major time saver.

Good luck, and remember to file early to get into the system early, and your refund faster.

And the winner is........

2011-02-18T08:31:00.002-06:00

Lezlei Ann Young of
www.breathofart.blogspot.com

Congratulations Lezlei you have won the fairy door for my One World One heart blog give away.

Thank you every one for commenting on my blog, and I hope you come back and visit my blog again.

~Laura

One World One Heart, last day

2011-02-17T00:01:00.000-06:00

Today is the last day of One World One Heart.
I want to thank everyone for visiting my blog. I am amazed at how many people actually did!
I will draw numbers out of a hat (your number is the order that you posted your comment) and post here again tomorrow.

Raw week 7

2011-02-16T16:34:00.002-06:00

RAW52-7: pods
Originally uploaded by .citizen.objects. I am having a blast participating in RAW2011!
I fluctuate between amazed and inspired and amazed and in need of going into hiding.

This fantabulous pod ring was made by citizen.objects. and its amazing.

I mean how can I compete with the likes of this?
I know I know its not a competition, but it does get intimidating when this ring is up and yours is the next one listed in the pool. I must confess I have waited days and hours before submitting my photo when I know that is the case.

My submission this week is made from punched shapes from a soda can. It really did not need to be next to this. Of course this week it is next to a beautifully executed piece from esjewelry. And I think it looks dorky in the line up (my piece looks dorky). But it is there.

I had fun I made something new, I learned something new:
My week 7 ring was a skill builder! I found out that you can use those paper punches on aluminum cans, well that just opened a whole can of worms. Oh and the cans for al the "throw-back" sodas have such better colors.
Yesterday I scored a heart shaped punch post VD sale for $3. I had some rivets, and figured it is time to experiment!

This is the 4th flower I made, but I reused the petals from the 1st flower I made. The center is a vintage plastic button, and its on a generic finding ring base --a flat one. It is wired and glued.

Lessons learned:
• rivet must have something between it an the aluminum for reinforcement.
•my auto punch awl is great for starting the tiny rivets

And I really need to figure a better system for photos. My camera and iPhoto just is not a practical combination, and the photobooth photo is just not so hot quality wise.

William Bouguereau

2011-02-16T09:51:00.000-06:00

Abduction of Pyche,William Bouguereau. A little late for Valentine's day but cupid in action seems appropriate

Annual Valentine's Crayons

2011-02-11T18:02:00.003-06:00

crayons1
Originally uploaded by Zoeowyn

Here is this year's crop of holiday crayons. The kids have fun doing this, and their attention span is definitely getting longer. This year E was able to stick with me for all the crayons we needed.
We used a silicone ice cube tray this year: those don't like heat, but they cut down our processing time since there were more heart wells that in the metal tray (That and I don't know where the metal mold is off to).
Next year will be short and sweet with only one patch of crayons since the oldest is off to Middle School next fall, and I seriously doubt that she is going to need the little Valentine's gifties.

I love this line of papers for scrapbooking!

2011-02-09T09:09:00.001-06:00

Steampunk debutante by Graphic 45

Of course my brain is not limiting the uses to scrap booking alone!

Made with awesome sauce

2011-02-03T11:33:00.002-06:00

RAW 5/52
Originally uploaded by malodora

This ring by Malodora is made of pure awesome.

It is this week's RAW entry for Malodora. Previous rings have been pretty amazing.
Actually a lot of Malodora's stuff is--amazing and made with awesome sauce.

I'm her newest biggest fan!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Malodora
Heck, I want to purchase all the stuff in her shop!
If you are feeling like you must surprise me with a gift this one:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/55756067/bird-skull-brooch-metal-polymer

You need to check it out. Its organic, and a bit twisted.
But twisted in a most fabulous way.

She is the kind of artist I want to be like:
crazy cool, and just a bit different.

I can't decide if Im inspired or intimidated.
Probably a bit of both!

Minas Tirith

2011-02-02T09:02:00.000-06:00

I have always wanted to make a ring for this place--well ever since I first saw it in the movies.

Ideas from the interwebs

2011-01-31T08:36:00.002-06:00

1218001741a.jpg
Originally uploaded by Zoeowyn

Recently I have been participating in more and more networking opportunities on the web. In reality it feels like Im playing games. And Im having fun, and I want to play more!

I am enjoying the interaction. So far things are small-short term participation event. I am only currently participating in one long term guild/ etsy street team thing. Everything else has a limited shelf life.
RAW: ring a week
THaW: Thing a week
OWOH: One world one heart

and the random share my blog give aways.

I want to play more!

Ideas Im finding, things to look for:
charms swap
give aways
destash swaps
mystery goodie box destash
pay-it-forward swaps
collaborative construction
dos a day/ a week

dare I sign up for local meet-ups in crafts?
dare I organize a swap?
hmmm the ideas are endless
the participants are out there
hmmmm
Ok I need to go make something now
wish me luck, I hope its cool!

One World One Heart

2011-01-31T00:01:00.006-06:00

For those of you you found me via OWOH: WELCOME!
My name is Laura, and I am an eclectic crafter. Or rather, I attempt to be one. I share my crafting misadventures and what I am currently up to here. Please poke around, and leave a comment. Remember to leave your blog address!

For those of you who are not familiar with On World One Heart:
One World One Heart

One World One Heart is a worldwide event for bloggers only. It gives all those who blog a chance to meet and mingle and form connections with those they may not have otherwise met from all over the world. In the past 4 years this event has grown to over 1,000 participants with lasting friendships (and even one love connection) formed along the way. Think of it as a GIGANTIC open house allowing you to travel without ever leaving your home........going from blog to blog(in various countries) seeing the wonder each one has created and meeting all the fabulous people behind those blogs. As a bonus each blogger participant will offer up a "door prize or prizes"....just for dropping by, saying hello and seeing their world. It's really that easy.

This looks like fun so I am participating! From Jan 31 to Feb 17 2011.

My "door prize goodie" is a fairy door.

A lovely unique door for an indoor fairy. It can only be open by the fairy it belongs to.

Fairy Door
Originally uploaded by Zoeowyn

This is going to show up on my Facebook, since I have linked the blog to it, please visit the blog to comments and participate.

Inspiration is what takes you there

2011-01-26T07:55:00.003-06:00

This gives me a very interesting idea........

Just as Im talking about give aways...

2011-01-24T17:56:00.003-06:00

Stumbled across this little gem of a prize
Metal stamps.

Hey I bet I could find a use for them.
I also like the method of getting the prize. Networking the blog post.

So if you are interested (I know I am!)
go here
http://lorianderson.blogspot.com/2011/01/metal-stamp-giveaway.html
and visit Lori Anderson's Pretty Things blog

Give aways give aways give aways

2011-01-21T22:57:00.003-06:00

So, one of the things that is supposed to drive or lure traffic to your blog, and thus expose you, your work/product is give aways.

What does one give away on a craft blog, especially a selfish craft blog like this one?

Would you, my 14 followers be interested in back issue crafting magazines, such as Step-by- Wire jewelry, or Bead and Button?
Or would you rather it be random hand made goodies? Or both?

Let me know what you think in the comments, pleeeezzzzzzz

Learning new skills

2011-01-20T08:03:00.006-06:00

Copper coil earrings
Originally uploaded by Zoeowyn

I am using my participation in Ring a week (RAW) and Thing a Week (THaW) as a concerted effort to build skills. One of the ways I am doing this is to actually follow some project how-to instructions from magazines. I certainly have enough magazines!

This week I ended up practicing book/magazine instructions for both RAW and THaW

This week's Thing is a pair of coiled earrings using copper wire.
I had intended on making a chain bracelet, but I did not have enough of this spool of wire. I did have enough to finish the spool up and have some earrings.
I made this pair of earrings following directions from:
The Best of Step by Step Wire jewelry 2010. Egyptian Chandeliers by Jeanette Ryan.
After following the directions I modified a tad because the directions in the magazine included crystal drops -I just used swirls, and the way the two middle pieces hung, they fell off and did not lock onto the main ring.
I ended up putting one on facing the other direction. Visually you can't tell a difference, structurally it keeps the dbl spirals hanging and not falling off.

Check out the other amazing jewelry pieces being created for THaW 2011

I need to practice making coils, and my needle nose pliers are crap, they torque out of position with a simple twist, not good, will replace.

This week's RAW was "Hi I'm Bob"
Bob- big obnoxious bling, named so by my daughter after I created my first ring using this rhino head mold. We came up with a bunch of silly ring titles for a series, as if they were 1960's movie title "Bob" "Return of Bob," "Son of Bob" and so forth.
This one is is "Hi, I'm Bob" inspired by the blob-type character Bob from Monsters vs Aliens.
Hes a little too textured to be transparent, but that was the goal.

Wire wrapping techniques from Dale Armstrong's book, I combined the cocktail ring base and prong set the head.

Yes I prong set a resin rhino head!

Check out the other fabulous ring creations at the RAW flickr pool

I am so gonna make some serious octopus stuff!

2011-01-19T09:44:00.000-06:00

http://www.notcot.com/archives/2011/01/maximo-riera-octopus-chair.php

Ring a week-week 3

2011-01-17T18:06:00.002-06:00

RAW52 - 2
Originally uploaded by Reagan Hayhurst

Here we are at the tail end of week 2 and the beginning of week 3.
I decided I needed to share some of the AMAZING FABULOUS rings that are being created for this.

I will share my creations more than enough, but I am so blown away by the rings being made. Some Im floored by the design and creativity, some its a technique I had no clue about, others its pure skill and craftsmanship.

So how do I decide? I struggled with this last night. How do I choose which ring i love the most at this moment to share?
It actually stopped me from sharing at that point. Too many fabulous works.

So I just decided to go for it. This weeks lucky winner is....by Reagan Hayhurst. This is the Morphing Mushroom ring. I think it looks like a trifid and should start walking around any minute now.

Come look at all the pretty pretty rings on flickr, I can't blog share them all, though I would like to!
http://www.flickr.com/groups/ringaweek/

Inspiration comes from anywhere at any time

2011-01-12T08:03:00.000-06:00

Love these books
and Im finally getting off my butt and doing some Mesopotamian styled things, have been wanting to forever, just needed an extra push.

my things a ring of pure green

2011-01-11T10:04:00.002-06:00

a ring of pure green
Originally uploaded by Zoeowyn

I wrapped this weeks RAW and THaW projects up into one. Oh, and yes its from a jewelry magazine "how to."

The how-to was Belle Amoire Jewelry Dec/ Jan 2010 "Ring Creatures by Orna Willis.

It was fun, and a tad more obnoxious than the magazine directions.

Lessons learned:
mostly skill practice
making jewelry is my happy place
clustering the bead groups then placing onto the ring loops seems to help maintain that full look

So far I like doing this. This practicing projects out of magazines, this making sure I will make artistic jewelry every week, this making and building my ring skills.

I can see clearly now

2011-01-10T16:01:00.002-06:00

Pardo translucent
Originally uploaded by Zoeowyn

In the middle of this playing card is a color chip of Pardo Translucent.

Its just a small chip about 3/4 square, and the thickest setting (7) of my pasta roller.
AND its the clearest I have ever seen.
I didn't have to do anything tricky like quench it in water, or use a heat gun until it smoked.

Just amazed. I like Pardo more and more.

Thing a week and practice techniques--all in one

2011-01-06T15:50:00.000-06:00

bracelet-wire techniques practice
Originally uploaded by Zoeowyn

I have joined the flickr THaW jewelry challenge. Inspired by Ring a week- RAW, its a jewelry thing a week. My THaW is going to serve double duty. One of the things I want to try to do is justify my obsessive purchasing of jewelry making magazines. I decided I needed to actually start doing some of the projects in them.

Wire frame bracelet based on Curlicue Cuff by Sally Stevens from BeadUnique fall 2010.

This makes a pretty good frame, and I think I would like to try it with a wire wrapped center piece. A little more planning, and a base ball bat so I have something large enough and round to use as an anvil. (or start off with slightly harder wire).

Lessons learned:
--these projects are always written for a set of specific products, make sure you understand what you are doing before trying to modify it
--even though I managed to bead up the end of a piece of fine silver using the gas burners on the stove, it does not work on 14 gauge copper
--the epoxy/plastic coating most craft wire does not smoke or burst into flames, it just burns in color
--oh yeah I found out the wire I was using was coated
--read all the steps of the article before you begin, this was designed to use 24 inches of wire to make a 6 inch cuff. I have an 8 inch wrist, I didn't get the big groovy curly cues
--adjust sizes accordingly and don't be afraid to cut more wire

Better Business

2011-01-05T08:47:00.002-06:00

One of the steps to reclaiming my "muchness" (my only resolution/goal this year) is to actually pay attention to business strategies and tips.
One sure way for me to do that is to share them out again once found.

So to start here are the 21 Best Resources as defined by Danielle over at Etsy
http://www.etsy.com/storque/seller-handbook/the-21-best-resources-from-the-2010-business-blogosphere-11378/

The best dang dress in the window

2011-01-05T08:00:00.000-06:00

Carol Burnett and BOB MACKIE its awesomeness defined

Koi Dreams ring (RAW 1)

2011-01-03T12:56:00.003-06:00

Koi Dreams ring (RAW 1)
Originally uploaded by Zoeowyn

This is my first ring for the Ring a Week challenge (RAW)

I'm calling it Koi Dreams
The band is printed with water waves and peaks of koi. Never a full fish, just a glimpse of scales here and there.
The stone, an agate of some sort--I didn't pay proper attention when I purchased it beyond "oh pretty"--is a deep rich orange color and is patterned like scales.

I will most likely list it on Etsy soon. I need to get an accurate size on it. Its a large-ish ring but a smaller size--around a 5 or 5.5.

lessons learned:
my anvil is for show not work--its pretty shiny surface chipped off (good thing I learned the safety goggles lesson a while ago)
I did my first set rivets
I need a proper hammer for this
ring building technique a la Kate McKinnon--makes for a smaller ring than anticipated

Ring a week

2011-01-03T10:26:00.002-06:00

Bob the rhino ring
Originally uploaded by Zoeowyn

Last year after joining Metal clay heads Etsy team, I became inspired to make rings again. The again part was inspired. I never felt like I actually succeeded in making rings, but I always liked the idea a whole lot.

So I made some truly obnoxious rings.

And I love them.

I found out about RAD= ring a day in 2010 by following a metalclay head member's blog. And it was amazing. The creativity was astounding. Some folks really went all out, some went for get-it-done. All were exercises in planning and creativity.
Well, there is no way I can do a thing a day type challenge. I have proven that to myself time and time again.

When I found out about RAW=ring a week, I thought, well I *could* do that.

The week leading up to Jan 1 I spent looking through my backlog of magazines. I figure I could start there. Yes I have a bazillion ideas of my own, but I also have a bazillion magazines for inspiration, and I need to practice some skills. I have a line up of rings from magazines to "develop my skills" on.

Whats really amazing for me, is come Jan 1, I didn't leap up and make my first ring. Well I guess I had better go get started then.

What to expect in the new year?

2010-12-29T16:13:00.002-06:00

My Wednesday inspiration is: what is going to keep me going this next year

So what's next?
This is a great question!

Do I merely fade back into the background, or do I use my kudos for this year as my spring board?

Spring board baby!

I have joined RAW-ring a week, this is a personal design and crafting challenge

I will update the etsy shop, I have so much stuff, and so little is shown. Check back weekly as I will be adding and adding.

I will update my products.
Somethings just aren't selling, like earrings. Im not going to be making these anymore, I mean why bother.
However the hats seem to be popular, and I will begin offering the new mini hat in January
Rings are fun for me, and with the RAW challenge I will have plenty.
Hinges, I have figured them out and plan on running with that pair of scissors.

Selling tips. I need them, so I will be reading and sharing.

Finish what I've started

That whole Wednesday inspiration thing. I will follow thru.

More tutorials at Clay lessons. I have had great success with the one I have, so I will be adding more.

More competitions and magazine submissions. Im already planning my next Fire Mountain entry--not the metal clay this year, maybe next year.

I love crafting the crafts I do, its my happy place. I have a friend who said Im a craft witch. I will proudly embrace that title (You know like a kitchen witch can cook, and garden witch can grown anything)

I plan on spending a lot more time in my happy place this next year.

OMG OMG OMG

2010-12-28T16:12:00.002-06:00

OMG OMG OMG
Originally uploaded by Zoeowyn

I was definitely surprised!
I won Silver in the accessories category with my "hair piece."

In so stoked.

Now how do I top this? (get it its a hat how do you top a hat--yeah ok lame)

Dare I?

2010-12-16T08:50:00.003-06:00

http://www.firemountaingems.com/beading-contests/art-clay-wire/default.asp
I have less than a month.....
Im waiting for the results of the polymer clay competition with baited breath..... and the fed ex delivery that was "sorry we missed you" yesterday
will I be surprised? Will I be disappointed? Will I be thrilled?

art room cleaned

2010-12-16T08:46:00.001-06:00

art room cleaned
Originally uploaded by Zoeowyn

I really cleaned and organized last week. I need it to be relatively clean in order to work, problem is as I work it gets all messed up again.
I've spent this week working on commissions, and I hate to say it but, the room is starting to look more like a before picture again.

Time to pause and tidy I think.

Lorena Angulo-I love her work-nuff said

2010-12-08T08:30:00.001-06:00

http://www.lorenaangulo.com/

Cephalohenna

2010-12-07T08:29:00.000-06:00

Working up some tentacle henna designs

Not been so active

2010-12-02T09:37:00.002-06:00

I know I haven't been as productive creatively as I would like. Lets blame it on school.
But I am finishing up my certificate, so school is 1 paper away from being done for a while. I have agreed to not continue next semester. Take a break and then decide if I really need to continue with the full degree or not.
I think I would rather make masks and hats and fairy doors.

I will be writing more tutorials, since the activity on Claylessons.com has been high, consistent, and beneficial.
What do I do that is unique that I dont mind everyone copying?

Acorns and acorn fairy houses I think are next.
Little daisies for little girls
I think I will do the dragon fly

cant decide if hats is something, or even if mermaid sculptures are.....
the chickens were not as popular as I had hoped for, but id I show some beastie variations maybe?
dunno

anyway i am looking forward to getting back into it!

Tentacles!

2010-11-11T16:37:00.004-06:00

capped tentacles
Originally uploaded by Zoeowyn

I was invited to submit a bead for the Fire Mountain Gems' circle of hope necklace. This is a necklace made up of one of a kind art beads. I am thrilled to have been invited to come play.
I figure they liked my submission for the polymer clay and natural beads competition this year. It involved tentacles. So I figured I would send tentacles for the beads.
I am sending a small collection of capped tentacle bead drops, and a large octopus bead.
Having recently seen 2 Chihuly exhibits, I think its safe to say there is a definite influence going on here.

Octobead
Originally uploaded by Zoeowyn

Vampire's bride ring

2010-10-21T16:14:00.001-05:00

1021001552.jpg
Originally uploaded by Zoeowyn

bronze box ring with 4 ruby czs, polymer cap with roses and leaves, and one large pink pearl

Marvel Costume Contest Winner - Steampunk Iron Man

2010-10-11T11:47:00.001-05:00

Marvel Costume Contest Winner - Steampunk Iron Man
Originally uploaded by Marvel Entertainment

LOVE LOVE LOVE this!

Oct 2

2010-10-01T10:18:00.002-05:00

Fractals in nature--thats broccoli

2010-09-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

bernina foot

2010-09-23T23:07:00.001-05:00

bernina foot
Originally uploaded by Zoeowyn

Im in love! I've been sewing for how long and have never had this foot. Heck I didn't know they existed.
I thought a flat felled foot was spiffy, but this edge guide foot is phenomenal!!!

project runway

2010-09-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

this season is drek!
my favorite designer thus far (all 8 seasons) is Carol Hannah. Cute stuff, too bad she didn't do a "collection" but a series of unrelated pieces.
this dress is just amazing!!!!

Wednesday wows

2010-09-15T08:04:00.000-05:00