Soul Humming

Etched Copper Framed Tintype Pendant

Last night I went to Fullerton with Pip to see Nancy at the Gilding the Lily trunk show. We had a wonderful time (once we finally arrived. Pilar and I have a habit of getting off-track every time we set out for the Lily). Not only were there many gorgeous things to purchase but there were many fabulous people, a happy little bull dog, awesome food and delicious wine. It was just what I needed to end up the week.

I got several tiny little tintypes from Nancy and I got up this morning and spent the day working on this necklace which features one of them. It was a lot of work for me but also very enjoyable. The only thing I would have changed is all the chemicals involved. Working with acid and liver of sulfur in the same day is a lot of smelly business. I've not made any serious metal work for a while and just finding my tools was a big task (and not finding some very important tools created major extra work).

The necklace features etched copper on front and back to create a frame for this handsome hatted fellow. I also riveted on a small bronze heart that I made. The back has an etching of a little landscape drawing that I did. It could also be worn on this side.

The chain is pretty hefty and comes in at about 22" long. It has a hand forged sterling clasp with a brass chain and double-sided holy medal dangling from it.

This piece is currently for sale in my Etsy store.

Pilar's Milagro Class

If you are in the Southern California area this weekend, then you need to sign up for my amazing friend Pilar's fantastic fabric milagro class. It is taking place this Saturday in Fullerton at Gilding the Lily. Don't delay! Call Today! :0)

Pilar dyes her own fabrics for these beautiful, spiritually rich pieces. They are hand sewn, embroidered, and given a vintage look with lots of sparkle, too. She gave me this one for my birthday and I just treasure it. Pilar is such a super smart, hilariously dry witted, wonderful person. You are sure to have a super fabulous afternoon in her class.

SPW

self portrait wednesday. the real me sitting here clicking at the keys looks less peaceful, i'm afraid. i'm meeting a friend for coffee at 9:30 a.m. so i decided to wait to actually have coffee. but i feel all crotchety and stiff and disheveled. my hair is kind of stupid. my dog is ripe and really needs a bath. he is sitting right next to me with a nonstop assault of my olefactory glands. cough, cough. it's not so good for the air in here. and june gloom is upon us. it is gray and cold and very unlike summer every single day until about two o'clock.

i should have made a cup of coffee already.

New Shop for Books

Sara Harley has opened a new Etsy shop to sell copies of the fabulous PAWS for Charity books. If you have yet to get your copy, I highly recommend it. My favorite is the hardcover edition. It is such a sweet little book filled with gorgeous works of art and will make a great gift for the animal lover on your shopping list. And all the proceeds go to breast cancer charities. How can you beat that?

Something Better

...by morning i had vanished
at least a dozen times
into something better...

-mary oliver

Self-Portrait Wednesday

paint on my face, dressed in an apron,
with my big dog in glasses.
yep, that's me.

play along and post a self-portrait today.

Everyday Artist Studio

 

I'm guest blogging today at the Everyday Artist Studio with Jenn Mason. Be sure to check it out for some fun creativity exercises.

like a red flower

have you ever seen anything in your life more wonderful
than the way the sun,
every evening,
relaxed and easy,
floats toward the horizon
and into the clouds or the hills,
or the rumpled sea,
and is gone--
and how it slides again
out of the blackness
every morning...
like a red flower.

-mary oliver

Guild Pages

here are a few more pages for the altered guild's third paper bag book with a painting & poetry theme.

Pup

here's a painting i recently finished of my friend's Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

today is the first day in a while that both kids are back to school so it's going to be busy over here. lot's of big birthdays this week, project deadlines, and school activities. so my words will be sparse until i can power through these things.

have a great week!