Vicki Cook

Enameled Cups

2011-02-17T14:50:00.000-05:00

These.

Came.

Out.

Just the way I imagined.
I love when that happens.

Heading into Chartreuse Sterling Jewelry

2011-02-12T09:00:00.000-05:00

You can find it at Chartreuse Art Gallery

Hearts Heading into Chartreuse

2011-02-11T16:51:00.001-05:00

Something to help your sweetheart stay wrapped up snug and warm this Valentines Day.

Front
&
Back

They will hit the pedestals at Chartreuse Art Gallery this afternoon...after 2:30 ;-)

Heading in to Chartreuse too!

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

Many more copper bangles...

My oh my was it cold when I took those top 2 photos...that's why the last one was shot on the kitchen counter. Woof!

On their way

2011-02-10T16:55:00.003-05:00

Packed and sent on their way to the Lubeznik Center for the Arts
Just in time for Valentines Day!

Time for some Lovin'?

2011-02-01T14:54:00.000-05:00

Forging something...beautiful?

Enamel Brooch

2011-01-25T15:34:00.000-05:00

I've been working on combining enamel with more dimensional pieces of metal.

Another that is mine, all mine.
But Esther has a similar one in the gallery shop at the Lubeznik Center for the Arts in Michigan City

A Very Special Ring

2011-01-22T14:50:00.004-05:00

Over the holidays our daughter Sarah and her long-time boyfriend Brian got engaged!

Guess who gets to make the ring?!

A perfect fit.

Materials to play with

2011-01-05T14:15:00.000-05:00

Now this is going to be some fun!

Urban Institute of Contemporary Art

2010-11-23T09:22:00.003-05:00

Did you get yours yet?

I did!

Tooly Tuesday ...or Sinusoidal Sunday...?

2010-11-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

Right now I want to use this every day of the week.

Published!

2010-10-20T09:30:00.000-04:00

Lark Books published another of my tutorials in their new 30-Minute Necklaces book.

It's a very good book, full of great projects for those of you just getting into jewelry making as well as those of you who have been making jewelry for years.

Paying attention to Kandinsky

2010-09-15T09:50:00.000-04:00

My Wasilly Kandinsky-inspired brooch.

Enamel on copper, forged sterling & steel.

Mine, mine, mine!

Curling Willow Leaf Earrings

2010-08-23T10:00:00.003-04:00

I so love the anticlastic curve.

So sensuous.

Curling Leaf Earrings

2010-07-07T20:51:00.002-04:00

Ahhhhhhhh. These are mine.

But I have a couple more pairs for Krasl's Art Fair on the Bluff in the teacher's tent.
Hope to see you there!

Lemon Creek Wine & Art Fair

2010-05-24T19:28:00.003-04:00

Oh boy, Oh boy!
My favorite show of the year to kick off the show season!

Friends, Family, Wine, Live Music and Art, what more could I ask for?

For more information go to Lemon Creek Winery

Hot Diggity!

2010-05-21T07:53:00.002-04:00

This Friday, May 21, Chartreuse will be open for the “Hot Diggity Dog” kick-off event from 5-9 PM along Main St. in St. Joe. Please come and enjoy the kick-off festivities. Meet Margaret the artist who found all of the watches and created our entry the “Watch-Dog”.

Books.....

2010-05-20T07:00:00.000-04:00

Made from up-cycled materials, my sketches done in metal to hold your sketches on paper.

Each is one of a kind.

Available directly from me or Chartreuse Art Co-operative in St Joseph Michigan.

Books.....

2010-05-17T08:09:00.000-04:00

Made from up-cycled materials, my sketches done in metal to hold your sketches on paper.

Each is one of a kind.

Available directly from me or Chartreuse Art Co-operative in St Joseph Michigan.

Books....Pennies

2010-05-14T08:53:00.000-04:00

Made from up-cycled materials, my sketches done in metal to hold your sketches on paper.

Each is one of a kind.

Each is refillable.

Available directly from me or Chartreuse Art Co-operative in St Joseph Michigan.

Just Beautiful

2010-05-13T07:47:00.000-04:00

I found these seed pods dangling from a cottonwood tree, they are about 6" long. Who'd a guessed that those drifts of fluff would have such beautiful containers. Not me.

I wish I had the abilities right now to capture the feel of them in metal. It would have to be something articulated, the way they move is so slinky, maybe a chain with enameled pods. ugh too heavy...I'll have to think on it.

I admit it. I wore these in my lobes for a little while.

Books....Copper and Beach Pebbles

2010-05-11T07:54:00.000-04:00

Made from up-cycled materials, my sketches done in metal to hold your sketches on paper.

Each is one of a kind.

Available directly from me or Chartreuse Art Co-operative in St Joseph Michigan.

30-Minute Earring Book is out!

2010-05-10T08:07:00.002-04:00

Looking for some quick earring projects to try your hand at?

Lark chose a couple projects I submitted to them along with 58 other great quickies. There are several I want to make for myself...

Look for it at your local book seller.

Or any of those online book sellers.

A Trial Run

2010-05-08T06:43:00.001-04:00

I'm always disappointed when I come to the end of a sketch book, I know that I will carry around TWO sketchbooks for months, flipping back and forth between them, looking for that one design I sketched last month or notes I wrote on that forging technique I was playing around with...when WAS that? Flip, flip, flip. I don't tear pages out, I did that once and LOST several brilliant pages. Brilliant I tell you. Who knows now, they are gone, gone, gone.

I decided to search for refillable sketchbooks, you know, open the binder take out the not so good ones, sort them, organize them, put in some fresh paper, and go. Needs to be 8.5x5.5" Yup, I'm particular about some things, not too big, not too small, juuuuuuuuust right, fits in my bag, on the tray in my car, doesn't crowd my workbench. AND it needed to look good. AND be sturdy. I didn't find any that fit.

So I made one. Covered it with metal sketches...And then I made another one. And another. And... And now I need to get pictures.

Or you could go to Chartreuse Arts Co-operative Gallery and see some first hand.

Kalamazoo Art Hop

2010-05-04T09:22:00.000-04:00

I'll be showing and selling my work all day Friday, May 7 at the Kalamazoo Institute of Art.
Stop in and say hi, it's always good to see your smiling face and I'll show you some of my new work.

Time: 12:00pm - 7:00pm
Location:Kalamazoo Institute of Arts314 South Park StreetKalamazoo, MI 49007

Join us on Friday, May 7th for a special treat at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts!The KIA Gallery Shop will be hosting a Jewelry Showcase Featuring wonderful locally made jewelry from such artists as Meg Tang, Char Short, Georgia Newman, Ligita Samsons, Vicki Cook, Amy Culp and Bobbie Peters.
Remember, members get a discount on their purchases! Not a member? Click here to become one!

This is the perfect opportunity to celebrate a special Mom in your life by presenting her with a very unique gift, while at the same time, supporting the arts! What a great cause!
The galleries will be open and refreshments will be served! If you haven't seen it yet, now is a great opportunity to tour the 2010 West Michigan Area Show!
Grand Prize Winner, Michele Shelton will be on hand to discuss her piece, A Moment to Remember.
This event is free and open to the public.

Tooly Tuesday

2010-04-19T17:29:00.003-04:00

I ordered my logo stamp a couple weeks ago and tried it out. These are my very first test pieces and I am very, very pleased!
Now all my jewelry will be signed!

When I was looking around for a custom stamp maker, a friend suggested I check out Tinker Tools at Etsy and what a fine job he did for me! He does pancake dies as well as custom stamps for a very reasonable price.

I'm wondering what I can get him to make up for me next...

Astrid Pendant in Silver

2010-04-15T15:27:00.002-04:00

I finished the Astrid commission in silver.
You can check out the copper prototype here.
And the story behind it here.

This shot is dark but I like the way the front reflects and the shadows in between the layers.
It looked great on Ann, she wore it out of my studio.
Just like when you got new shoes.
"Can I put my old ones in the box and wear these home?!"
"Of course!"

Large Dapping Blocks

2010-03-29T06:36:00.000-04:00

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!

They are 2", 3", 4", 5" & 7". All maple.

Oh BOY!

Large Vise

2010-03-28T09:15:00.000-04:00

I got my large vise all set up last week, it needed a handle and a friend came through for me with a fine one.
Thanks Matt!

Another friend brought me some angle iron so I can extend the jaws...Sweet!

It's getting to be time for me to live large!

Almost.

Living Large

2010-03-27T07:14:00.001-04:00

Working large....

Requires LARGE tools.
Ridiculously sized shears are about 20" long, I have to clamp them in a vise to get the control I want...I like that.

Benton Harbor Art Hop-

2010-03-26T10:20:00.005-04:00

Benton Harbor's Arts District is gonna' be hoppin' tonight!
Friday March 26, 2010
5-9pm

Come join us, the Benton Harbor Arts District, in the kickoff Art Hop of 2010.

Venues participating with local artists attending: BH Transformation Center on Main; Tabor Hill Tasting Room/Gallery; the Phoenix, the OutCenter, WaterStreet Glassworks, the Citadel Dance & Music Center, Brammall Supply, the Artists at 210 Water Street Studios, the Livery and BrunsonHill ArtHouse

End your evening at the Livery, Ideal Place or Pauly's

Nuts...?

2010-03-17T07:35:00.000-04:00

Nuts and bolts, nuts and bolts! I got SCREWS!!!

Can you believe how tiny they are?! When I took this shot I had no idea that little...stick(?)/crumb was at 10 o'clock...(WHAT is that?!) So look close now, see the nut on the penny? I know, I know, back up or put on your reading glasses. Notice that it is smaller than Abe's beard.

What EVER will I do with these?! Oh, I can't wait!

Pierced Bowls

2010-03-06T07:19:00.002-05:00

Bowls for...

2010-03-05T13:15:00.000-05:00

...jewelry...

...keys and rings...

...Bowls for your things.

Tribute to Astrid Fog

2010-03-04T14:17:00.000-05:00

Ann is wearing it this week to check it for length and wear-ability.

Bowls, bowls, bowls

2010-03-03T14:10:00.001-05:00

Stacks and stacks.

Different shapes and sizes.

Pod Necklace

2010-03-02T20:35:00.002-05:00

Starting to incorporate some of the fold formed pods into finished jewelry...

Tough Guy Bracelet

2010-02-22T14:49:00.001-05:00

Finding ways to use those fold formed pieces

For tough guys and girls

I'm working on more and more and more!

More Fun with Fold Forming

2010-02-19T07:39:00.000-05:00

It's amazing what metal will do

If you hit it in the right places.

Bowls of Copper

2010-02-18T17:42:00.002-05:00

Teeny Weeny little bowls I forged from copper

To hold earring backs for my earring displays

I'm liking these.
Makes me think hmmmm what next?

Lovin' on the oven!

2010-02-14T00:00:00.002-05:00

Sheesh, even my stove is in the mood.

Head Down

2010-02-12T08:34:00.005-05:00

That's the way I feel like I've been working. Like a draft horse pulling along.

So I rewarded myself with some play time and made some of these. They aren't carrots but oh what a well deserved treat.

LOOK at that color! Just a propane torch and water did that to the copper. And the shape! Incredibly organic. Charles Lewton-Brain developed/progressed fold forming techniques several years ago and I'm just getting around to trying out some of the forms.

I want to forge some more until they completely curl around to make a hoop...or a spiral. But first I must get back to my chores...because that is going to be my reward after I finish my next task.

Mark your calendars-

2009-12-11T16:51:00.002-05:00

Holiday Bizarre@

The Livery

190 5th Street,

Benton Harbor, MI

Date: 2009.12.15
Time: 5-9 pm - Upper Livery
Cost: No Charge

One Stop - Buy Local!

Holiday gifts purchased yet? Do you need something for the Mailman/woman? Teacher? Hair Stylist? Favorite Barista/Bartender? Get it all done with a smile on your face and an Ale in your hand at the 1st Annual Holiday Bizarre at The Livery.

Merchandise and Gift certificates will be available and you'll be able to purchase with your credit card if desired. (cash is welcome too)

Confirmed vendors include: Phoenix Cafe, Christina Root, Ferris Music, Handy Randy, Laughing Dragon/Brunson Art House, The Livery, Yoga Maria, Hello Granola, VCMetalworks, Red Arrow Hobbies (Brewing supplies and models), The Citadel, Your Bohemian Life, Angela Caldwell Designs, Becky Wehmer, Wildtree Soaps and More,

Stay tuned - more to be added soon!

Cocoa and Cookies provided by The Livery. Beer, Wine, and Food will also be available for purchase on the lower level.

A work progresses

2009-12-11T09:48:00.006-05:00

Back in September I had a new friend bring me an image of a 1960's era pendant out of Georg Jensen studios and ask if I would take a look at it to see if I would be inspired by it to design a pendant for her. She was willing to wait until I was ready so I decided to give it a go.

After a couple goes at prototypes, I struck on some design changes that are good, very minor shifts of the rectangles improved the proportions, opening it up on all sides gives it a lighter feel and appearance than the direction I was going.

I'm so glad I get to take my time with this piece, it calls for such precision and I'm not used to working within such precise measurements, sawing, filing or symmetry. I've had to try some techniques I haven't used before to hit those lines and measurements, I like that.

So far so good on this prototype, Ann is pleased with the design and is excited to have seen it progress. I plan to do another prototype in copper before I work it in silver.

Now my brain is filled with new ideas, spinning off this design, brooches, earrings...must, Must, MUST make them.

New Website

2009-12-04T11:02:00.006-05:00

Hurray! I bought a wonderful gift for my studio VCMetalworks, it's a new website!

The fabulous web designer Lynne Tan of http://www.webprelude.com/ designed it for me based off the outstanding business cards she designed (one of the eleven is up there^). I love it, so easy to use, lovely to look at and ready to expand if I ever need. Lynne really held my hand all the way through the site creation process, I had no idea what I wanted, was pretty intimidated about the entire process and she helped me find my way along an easy path.

Thanks Lynne! You really truly are the best!

Feel free to bookmark it, pass it on to friends and check back regularly for new information.

VCMetalworks.com

And have no fear if you lose the link, I've added a direct link to the site over there on the right.

Lake Michigan Beach Treasures

2009-11-17T09:08:00.002-05:00

Beach stones and beach glass found on the shores of Lake Michigan, tumbled by the lake until perfect for setting.

Ready. Set. Go.
More images below.

Striped Beachstone Necklace

2009-11-17T09:05:00.002-05:00

Lake Michigan Thumprint Beachstone Necklace

2009-11-17T09:01:00.003-05:00

This stone has a place to rest your thumb.

And a handmade clasp to match the links.

Pale Aqua Lake Michigan Beachglass Necklace

2009-11-17T08:59:00.002-05:00

Grass Green Lake Michigan Beachglass Necklace

2009-11-17T08:52:00.006-05:00

Pale Pink Lake Michigan Beachglass

2009-11-17T08:50:00.002-05:00

All my new work is at Holly Market

2009-11-06T13:48:00.002-05:00

Hope to see you there tonight at the preview party, fun stuff!

New work for Holly Market @Krasl

2009-11-06T13:47:00.004-05:00

Quick snap shots, gotta run!

At Krasl for Holly Market

2009-11-06T13:47:00.003-05:00

It's all at Holly Market now

2009-11-06T13:46:00.001-05:00

Just had time to grab some quick snap shots

The Unexpected Earrings

2009-10-28T15:33:00.003-04:00

I took some of those sweet little stretched circles from yesterday and nipped out a section at the top.

Did a bit of reshaping, filing, and sanding with a smidgen of drilling and fusing and came up with these...

All-in-all a good days work.
Another good day.

Something Unexpected....

2009-10-27T20:29:00.003-04:00

Today I wanted to experiment more with domed shapes with openings in them. I started by cutting out a circle of copper and cut another circle out of that then my plan was to dome it and join 2 together to make a round clam-shaped sort of thing with a hole all the way through it.

I positioned the hole off center and because I cut out the hole before I domed it, the perfect circle stretched into a teardrop shape. I wasn't thinking that would happen but as soon as it did I thought "of course!" ~~Metal always follows the path of least resistance. Always.

So I wound up making several of these to play with tomorrow.
Earrings....? Pendants...?
Hmmmmmm.

What will you be?

The shape after dapping

2009-10-22T20:55:00.003-04:00

It came to me today... when they are rounded out (dapped or domed) they're like mangoes.

These are destined to be earrings....maybe.....

"the shape"

2009-10-20T19:41:00.002-04:00

Oh how I love open studios at Krasl.
I'm playing with "the shape" again.
Varying the size, there are 4 sizes here, I'll probably settle on 3....
or maybe 5....heh-heh.

These hammered out beautifully, lush and round, I lost my light this eve or I'd show them to you. The shape is like something....just can't place my finger on it... It will come to me....
Prototype sets of the phase one earrings are in the hands (lobes) of reviewers and so far so good.

New Tool Alert:: Dust Collector/air cleaner

2009-10-12T07:11:00.001-04:00

Introducing VCMetalworks' first major purchase.
It arrived on Wednesday. Isn't it cuuuuuuute?!

A good deep breath.
Number one on my what-is-truly-important-to-my-future list.

Open Artist Studios @210

2009-10-09T09:12:00.004-04:00

HOURS*: Fridays 3 - 7pm and Saturdays 10 - 3pm
thru Christmas

The Studios @ 210:
12 working artist studios housed in an old warehouse with public
areas, classroom and gallery space. Art on display and for sale.
*also by chance or appointment

I'll be hanging out down at my studio, 210 Water Street, Benton Harbor 10-3 this Saturday. Several of the artists have decided to host open studio days, where folks can come wondering in to take a look at what we all do.

There will also be some artwork for sale.

So come on by and say hi, I'll be happy to show you what I'm working on or let you peek into the other artists studios.

Hope to see you there!

The artists participating are:

VCMetalworks Jewelry- Vicki Cook

Pam Harper - Glass, Illustration Artist

Your Bohemian Life - Unique Handcrafted Gifts
Teri Robinson + Sandi Kalin

Angela Caldwell Designs - Jewelry

The Ceramic House - Janet Hurlbert

Just leave me a comment here if you would like more details or to set an appointment.

Prototype Shape Earrings

2009-10-08T17:21:00.005-04:00

Just off the sketchbook...

Slightly sharper shots than yesterday, still tinkering with these. They have to be as close to perfect as I can make them before I send them to friends for prototype reviews.

Should have a couple pairs good to go out next week....
*does a little nervous bounce*
Then, after getting some technical feedback from my reviewers I plan to tweak the design accordingly and make 10 pairs. *phew*
What a process.

Prototype Shape: The Story Continues

2009-10-07T07:02:00.000-04:00

So far, so good. Well, except for the lack of light.
I decided to take the shape and use it just as is, very little alteration. Lost the pink/orange/red heat patination while I did the earwire, but the copper will fix that in the long run.

I left the wires long so I could find the best balance point when actually dangling from a lobe.

Now I'm imagining piercing this shape...or doing some light repousse and chasing....or soldering little yummy bits to the face...or...or...or...yup Toni, you are right- These are things that make me go 'hmmmmmmm'

Prototype shape

2009-10-06T07:37:00.002-04:00

I made these yesterday during open studio at Krasl. It's an idea I dug out of a year old sketch book. The idea has been poking and prodding my mind lately so I'm setting it loose. They almost curl, almost, like if they were leaves or pods and you were keeping an eye on them, on your morning walks, tomorrow they would have that curl and you could slide one on your finger....

When I got home I tossed them on the table, they would make nice chimes.

During dinner I moved them around, stacked them, nested them, imagined wires stringing them together.

These are going to be big fun.

What will they be in the end....?

I can't wait to get them to the studio.

*pokes them*

*they chime back*

Leaf with Raindrops

2009-10-05T20:17:00.001-04:00

What if I set a transparent domed stone over textured metal?
Hmmmmmmm.

Leaf with Rain Drops

2009-10-03T20:14:00.000-04:00

Sweet.

Warning: New Tool Alert

2009-10-02T17:30:00.000-04:00

So you know those weeks when you just keep moving along, working hard, wondering "WHAT have I gotten myself into...WHY am I working so hard at this?"

Well, today I got an answer to that question.

And she has five speeds.
*purrrrs*

For the tools baby, it's all for the tools.

Happy Hour Martini

2009-10-02T17:00:00.001-04:00

My kind of martini, near equal parts gin and vermouth.
Many, many olives.
Too many?*

*No such thing as too many olives.

A ring for Nancy

2009-10-01T10:31:00.002-04:00

Ring-a-ding-ding.

I hope she likes it.

Delivered Fresh

2009-10-01T08:32:00.000-04:00

Delivered fresh to Chartreuse Co-Op Art Gallery

New works by all artists are showing up daily.

Grab your tomatoes!

2009-09-30T16:00:00.001-04:00

Quick before it's too late!

YeeGads aren't heirlooms these glorious!?!

Enough Salsa to light our fires all winter long.

Wild!

2009-09-30T09:39:00.004-04:00

Look what popped up in our yard...wild huh?

It's about 1' x 1' growing right on the ground where a tree used to be 15 or so years ago.

Laura thought they looked like a huge stack of pancakes-HA!

When I lay down in the grass I think it would be a lovely place to stay.

Essay: What I did on my summer vacation....

2009-09-25T13:30:00.015-04:00

Hmmmmmm so ok it's not really an essay maybe a photo essay....

There was bicycling:
Jewelry making:

Bench sitting:
Napkin/Coaster stacking competitions:
Beer tasting:
More bicycling:
More beer tasting:

Sheep scratching:
Turkey conferences:
More bicycling:
Early morning 1 mile swims:
Kite flying:

More bicycling:
Beach hiking:
Museum visiting:

Getting threatened with a cudgel:

Camping:
Kayaking:
Lots of kayaking:
More camping:
Water gardening:

Henna-ing:
Seeing our eldest off to South Korea:
Hanging out with my parents:

Necklace I'm wearing:
Playing around with simply hung pieces:
Acquired a summer intern...actually 2!
Wrapped piles of beach glass:
Caged some stones:

Watched some comets:
After all that riding there was some bike repairing:
Phew, there were miles and miles of bike riding...I think I heard Ben say that he hit 1500....me...I'm good with my 100 or so. Leaves time for more hammering.

Distraught enough to Blog about it....

2009-07-30T18:24:00.009-04:00

To the untrained eye this looks like a lovely bottle of wine, but for the more observant readers, it is a minor tragedy.

Cork broke :-( Poor little nub (see the floater?) liked the wine sooooo much it stayed behind. Instead of you-Googling "how to remove a broken cork from wine bottle" I pushed it in with a knife... so wine, under pressure, shot all over. I didn't have an apron on. I did have a white shirt on. (and *ding-ding-ding* an experimental necklace that was not affected at all)

It didn't stop me from enjoying this lovely Cabernet Sauvignon from the Round Barn Winery in Baroda, Michigan. It is nice and dry, not very oak-y. I like dry and I like oak-y. So, on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the best thing to cross my lips this millennium, I give it a 5. That's pretty good considering what it did to my shirt.*

*The stain was not taken into account during the scoring process.
**Please note I'm taking literary license with the word distraught. This was a minor stain, that if it doesn't come out I'm thinking of dunking the entire shirt in wine, because it's actually quite a lovely color. All in all if this is the worst life hands me today, I'll take it. Squirting wine and all.

Cheers!!!

Is that thunder I hear?

2009-07-30T06:36:00.002-04:00

I've been getting ready for another Very Big Show. It's a (nearly) week-long event at the Michigan Womyn's Music Festival between Hart and Ludington, Michigan. This is a Womyn only event, where they serve us 3 vegetarian meals a day, have several large tents for getting out of the elements and live music is played from dawn until way past dark. Plus I will be there showing (and selling) my jewelry. Should be a guaranteed good time! Check out the site for more information on other going's on there. I was going to go even if I didn't get in to sell my work.

If you happen to come, stop by my booth, introduce yourself, it would be lovely.

Now that my computer data loss has been resolved (thank the gods for backups and yes, I also floss) I should be able to start posting new images again...when I get some that is...I have been hammering up a storm of jewelry.

A storm I tell ya!

Getting Ready for a show

2009-05-16T15:33:00.002-04:00

I'm getting ready for a wine and art fest at Lemon Creek Winery in Berrien Springs, Michigan. I thought it would be a good place to bring these beach glass pendants out. Well, these and more metal-y pieces. I'm getting pre-show excitement already!

I'll be there all day Saturday and Sunday May 23 & 24, with my glass in hand!

Stop by and share a sip with me.

More Foldforming

2009-05-16T15:15:00.001-04:00

Fold Formed Copper

2009-05-11T17:52:00.001-04:00

I like this technique soooooo much! Some lines go over, some go under... I'm getting some ideas for finished pieces using this texture. Must play with it a bit more.

Prototype Bracelet

2009-05-06T17:12:00.002-04:00

Playing around with a basic fold form, a student brought in an older magazine with a pair of earrings made using this fold and I thought it would be lovely on a cuff. Must play with it more, but I think it is a winner, just look at that raised edge, it's like an added element on top, it just begs to be felt and made in sterling. Oh boy I can't wait to try this in sterling!

It's official

2009-05-01T14:00:00.000-04:00

I opened an etsy shop! Pretty spiffy way to offer my work on line. Keepin' life simple.

Stop by to see if I have anything you might be interested in.

Photography Workshop

2009-04-29T07:29:00.000-04:00

I got to take part in a photography workshop last Saturday at Krasl Art Center with the fabulous Thomas Allen. The workshop was geared toward the artist wanting to get great representative shots of their work -- Just what I needed! I got to play assistant for a bit and boy oh boy were those lights hot! He had a wonderful set up and showed his process of capturing just the right image...He even helped me with natural lighting shots using my own camera. Shown are the lovely Michelle, me and the back of Tom's head-Ha! Photo by Lynne Tan.

Prototype Pendant

2009-04-24T22:50:00.002-04:00

I needed a play day (a break from building stock) so I took one, pulled out an old sketchbook and made this up from an old design... I like it.

I'll play with this idea lots more.

I had to wrestle it off of my daughter to get pictures of it this evening.

Fabulous Fossils!

2009-04-17T16:33:00.000-04:00

I had a wonderful opportunity to design some custom pieces for a friend to give to his wife (also a friend). These are fossilized crinoids they found together on the beaches of Lake Michigan. Bob brought me their entire collection just before Thanksgiving to choose and design around, what a treat for me! This is the bracelet I came up with.

I wanted to keep the shapes organic so I free-hand cut out around the stones.

I also wanted to do little windows on the back so you could peek at the backs of the stone, many have crystals and star shaped patterns that I couldn't stand to cover up, even with silver.

Many of the crinoids have holes that go all the way through, this one had not only the hole but a wonderful knobbly texture that had to be included. It's perfect for the transition from bracelet to toggle.

Happy Hour --George Dickel

2009-04-17T16:00:00.000-04:00

This is whisky in the old time western-y sense.

*shudders*

About as simple as it gets here

2009-04-16T10:22:00.002-04:00

Hammered, filed, drilled, soldered, polished. Simple. Check out the edge on those round ones, used my cross peen on them, it thickened the edges and made these little crinkles that catch the light. I like that.

Happy Hour Old Forester

2009-04-10T16:00:00.003-04:00

Wow it makes my sterling sippin' cup look GOLD on the inside! And you know what? This is nice stuff, not harsh, smells wonderful, perfect for sipping on a cold eve.
Or for my sore throat, mmmmm smooth.

Prototype Ruby Ring

2009-04-06T22:28:00.003-04:00

I pulled out an old sketch book (after I melted a piece, grrrrr) to dig up an old idea I sketched dated February 19, 2008! I only had an hour of studio time left so I scrambled and got it roughed out. I'm actually very pleased with this, rough and unfinished and raw as it is, I see what it will be. Hammered, textured, filed, sanded and polished....maybe put it on a tiny sinusoidal stake....such potential. I see an entire series....

I can't wait until tomorrow.

Beach Pebble Necklace

2009-04-06T19:38:00.000-04:00

Trying a different photo set up.
Planning to peek at this on a few different computers.

Eucalyptus Necklace

2009-04-06T08:15:00.000-04:00

Oh boy what fun this one was to make....

And it looks so lovely on Carl's wife Christine....

Happy Hour (Back by Popular Demand)-Sauvignon Blanc

2009-04-03T16:00:00.001-04:00

Starborough Vineyards Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, nice, not too rich tasting nor complex, but Hey, it's a screw-top! It was good with the roasted chicken. Besides I bought it for the nicely textured label, I'm gonna texture some metal with it!

Please note the lovely glass made by Jerry Catania of Water Street Glassworks
I bought it several years ago up at the barn studio in Saugatuck. Still love it!

Play Day

2009-04-02T19:44:00.002-04:00

I needed an afternoon to play around with a new tool, this was my first experiment with it. The technique is called anticlastic raising, which means to form a sheet into an object that has two curves at right angles to each other as well as going in opposite directions. In visual terms, saddle-like.

Hmmmmm, I think I will need more than just one afternoon to play with this... I'm thinking bracelets but not with straight edges... OH MAN! It just hit me! How about more ruffles? I wonder what would happen if I did some of that ruffley action on an edge that flairs out then do a bit of anticlastisism (ha! I just made that word up!) on the entire thing.... Arg Trapped at home without my new tool! Help me.

Oh Boy, Mama's Got a New Toy!

2009-04-01T19:18:00.001-04:00

I mean tool....I can't wait to play...I mean use it!

Sterling and Copper Ruffles

2009-04-01T08:30:00.001-04:00

Look out, I'm on a hammering roll.

Oh how I love these in copper and sterling and gods help me....gold?!

Maybe just a touch... maybe.

My Sterling Ruffles

2009-03-31T19:37:00.002-04:00

Sterling and mine.

All mine!

Don't worry, I made more!

More Ruffled Earrings

2009-03-20T20:13:00.000-04:00

Mmmmmm Just can't get enough of these!

I made a special pair for myself, I'll share pictures when I can snap some...

Ruffled Earrings

2009-03-19T16:10:00.000-04:00

These earrings are a kick to wear!

They are like the ruffle at the bottom of a Spanish dancers' dress.

Or the petals off a poppy.
A copper poppy.

Silver Eucalyptus Leaf Earrings

2009-03-14T19:48:00.000-04:00

These are the first Sterling Eucalyptus Leaf Earrings I have made.

I made the top of each leaf frosted but I polished up the undersides for just a little flash.

Message on the bottle

2009-03-13T21:57:00.001-04:00

Beer Gods are sending me messages

I have an uncontrollable urge to run to the store...

Eucalyptus Series Earrings

2009-03-12T20:13:00.000-04:00

Copper Eucalyptus Leaf Earrings

2009-03-12T19:52:00.000-04:00

Busy-busy. No two alike... similar but not alike.