Ira Glass, of This American Life, gives such sage advice for anyone who makes things that I had to share this video with you. When you’re struggling with a technique, when you’re disappointed in a design, when you break a piece because you pushed it further than it was meant to go, ask yourself what Ira would do? And in your head (or online), you’ll hear him say, “”It takes a while. It’s going to take you a while. It’s normal to take a while. You just have to fight your way through that. Okay? You will be fierce, you will be a warrior, and you will make things that aren’t as good as you know in your heart you want them to be.” But as he mentions earlier in the video, the cure is “do a lot of work”.
Yay! I will be participating in the Valentine’s Day Craft Attack at Amelie’s on Saturday, February 6th from noon to 5 pm. I’m furiously making red and white jewelry to stock my table with. Ok, not everything is red and white but I have made a few Valentine inspired pieces.
If you’re not familiar with Craft Attack, it’s the brain child of the Hornet’s Nest Crafters (Charlotte’s very own Etsy Street Team). Craft Attack started as an outdoor show and they’ve added a few informal, mini versions at Amelie’s. Haven’t been to Amelie’s yet? You don’t know what you’re missing. It’s a 24 hour French bakery and cafe in NoDa. They have amazing baked goods but I also heart their soup.
If you’re in the area, you should stop by!
This is a design I created for a necklace that can be worn in its longest state or taken apart to wear as separate pieces. Take a look at how to wear my “Metamorph” design.
Examples of necklaces created with my Metamorph design:
Quartz with Blue and Green Swarovski Crystal
Quartz and Pink Swarovski Crystal
Quartz, Swarovski Pearl and Crystal
(the necklace in the video has already been sold)
This is a design I created for a necklace that can be adjusted to adapt to different neckline styles. Here’s how to wear my “Changeling”.
Examples of necklaces created with my Changeling design:
Opalite with Chain Tassel (necklace in video)
Lime Turquoise and Peridot
Fossil Coral and Carnelian
Mookaite, African Opal, Hematite, Swarovski Crystal and Jasper
Since some of my pieces offer more than one “wearing opportunity”, the Hornet’s Nest Crafters suggested I create a few videos to show you how each design works. Here’s the idea behind my “Look Look Look” necklaces.
Examples of necklaces created with my Look Look Look design:
Crazy Lace Agate, Hematite and Black Labradorite (necklace in video)
Jasper, Carnelian and Smoky Quartz with Hand Forged Wire Rings
Wood Jasper, Bronzite and Freshwater Pearl
Jet Swarovski Crystals with Hand Forged Wire Rings
I’ll have a booth in the Everybody’s Day festival in Thomasville, NC on September 26th. The first Everybody’s Day Festival was held in 1908. It is North Carolina’s Oldest Festival. There will be approximately 145 arts & crafts vendors, a children’s area, three entertainment stages and a golf tournament. The show is sponsored by the Thomasville Medical Center. I’m pretty excited about setting up that Trimline canopy I bought on Ebay this summer and of course, showing my jewelry. Can’t wait. So much to do to get ready!
Samantha Webster from Creative Loafing interviewed me as part of a series she is doing on Charlotte area jewelry artists. The series will appear in the Klepto blog. I was thrilled to participate! Can’t wait to read the rest of the interviews.