First Metalwork Weekend Ever.....Great Time!

Please scroll down and view all the pieces that Sandi made during the first of my "summer" workshops. 

The weather did not co-operate (although it was mild and not too windy) but we were undaunted,

as artists must adapt to circumstance with stamina,  heart,  and desire!  Just think of the plein aire painters, 

producing beautiful foggy views of London,  and drippy rainy gardens in France.  Sandi stuck it out with great aplomb and a super attitude, and made so many beautiful pieces, and has lots of gorgeous textures, patinas,  and components for so many more!   What an open,  eager,  and delightful student she was,  and now I look towards June 19-20 and my next workshop with 4 students (full)....I have also learned a lot about what can and cannot be covered in just 3 days!   Now I am weary..........and I know she is too.  But it is a happy weary!  If you are interested in the next workshop,  it will be Sat-Sun,  July 3-4.  I can take 2 more students.    

Sandi Hard at Work

Workshop Beauties!

Sandi's Earrings

Check Out all the Photos of the Workshop!

Sandi's resin bracelet.  She is working on friendship bracelets for her sister and herself with other

components made in class.  Love the resin music,  You're still You!

Absolutely Wonderful First Metalworking Weekend!

The weather did not cease from gray...but Sandi had heart,  creativity,  and perserverance,  and the weekend, despite losing one student,  was a resounding success!  She made a pile of jewelry,

and has components to work on a ton more pieces.  I have photos to share,  and I am

so thrilled with what she learned and produced in the workshop!

What's "NEW" in My World!

Super Shiny Etched Brass,  Vintage Embellishment (French Celtic)

I know that most of my work is made to look aged....but my desires to try something "new" and to use this vintage embellishment....took me in a new direction.  That,  and the polisher motor that my dear friend Lauretta foraged from a garage sale...she finds the BEST treasures!  After weeks of screaming foul words,  my soldering has finally become acceptable...and this is sweat soldered onto an etched brass piece and highly polished. 

Another landmark:  today I begin my first major workshop held here at my studio.  It is a 3 day metalworking intensive,  using all my finishing and connecting skills,  and I think it is going to be amazing DESPITE the weather.  It sort of puts a damper on working out in my shop,  but I will sidestep it by putting up my tent,  and  tables for hammering and etching.  I'm excited and nervous.  This is the trial run.  My next workshop in June is filled already.  I will hold one in July,  but no dates are set ...let me know if you are interested. 

One Down, Just Getting Started!

The First Show of the Year!

     Lots going on at the moment,  but the SPAC show has come and gone, which is my first of the year.  I did very well,  earning 3 Juror's Choice Awards.  I now turn my eyes and efforts towards the Filberg Festival,  the Island's premiere music and art festival,  which is held the first weekend of August in Comox, BC. 
    I have been teaching LOTS of classes,  and encourage those of you discovering my blog to contact me for information,  as I will be teaching all summer as well.  Send me your email,  I will add you to my mailing list for the schedules both of classes and shows.   The only other show I will do in summer is the Glendale Gardens Arts in the Garden Show,  the second week of August,  at the Pacific Horticultural Centre in Victoria.  A beautiful,  well attended event every year,  I encourage you to come enjoy this tranquil place! 
   More soon,  I must go have some wine and relax..........I expect great ideas to bloom next month when Riki (check out my esteemed colleagues and her blog) returns to the Pacific Northwest with her husband,  and we put two creative minds together and come up with something new and wonderful.  Keep checking for new developments..........