Works of Arts

Pinterest, Do you know what it is???

2012-01-25T19:16:00.001-05:00

Today I was reading Lorena Angulo's blog. She is a Mexican jewelry artist who lives in San Antonio. Her work is unusual and I love it. I noticed a new button I hadn't see before:

Have you heard of this? Pinterest is an online pinboard, where you can organize and share things you love. WOW, so many amazing things all in one place!!

Check it out here:

Winter...

2012-01-21T10:27:00.000-05:00

Don't you just love it when it snows and the snow stays eaxctly where it fell? Without the wind, all noise seems to be absorbed and all seems so peaceful....

Inspired

2012-01-15T12:41:00.002-05:00

Inspired by Martha Brown I too found it fun to think about my Five Fave Friday books. Like Marissa, I too have quite the stays of books. These are a few of my favourites.

1. Digital Expressions by Susan Tuttle. A great book about how to use Photoshop Elements in Art. Sorry, the look inside link doesn't work here......

2. Canvas Remix by Alisa Burke. This book covers a variety of media to explore. Fun!
Sorry, the look inside link doesn't work here......

3. Metal Artist's Workbench by Thomas Mann. This is an excellent source for metal work, either for jewelry or for objects, whatever you fancy!
Sorry, the look inside link doesn't work here......

4. Wire Art Jewelry by Sharilyn Miller. My first jewelry making class was with Sharilyn Miller, and look where it has led me to!

5. The Jewelry Artist by Kate McKinnon. Kate McKinnon is a very talented artist who excels in metal clay and in bead work. True eye candy!

Considering that starting Tuesday I am back in school and all my time will be occupied with work and with studying, these types of books are the only "artsie" thing I will have a few minutes a day for!

Bronze finished!

2012-01-14T17:12:00.000-05:00

Well, this is how my work in progress progressed and what it resulted in!

Bead and Button

2012-01-06T17:05:00.000-05:00

Registration for classes starts Jan 10. I can barely wait!!!!!!

More Bronze

2012-01-03T17:39:00.000-05:00

While contemplating how to use the etched pieces from yesterday I worked on a bronze metal clay piece i made quite a while ago. I layered it onto a copper patina-ed sheet from Lillypilly Design and some patinaed bronze. I cut out tabs in the bronze layer to attach the bronze metal clay piece. I finished it with a bronze wire necklace.

Work in progress

2012-01-02T22:44:00.000-05:00

Today I played with bronze and wondered how well it etches. See here the result! Now I am going to turn it into a necklace. Stay tuned.....

Happy New year!!

2011-12-31T11:46:00.000-05:00

I wish you all the very best and good health for 2012!!!

Encaustic lesson

2011-12-30T12:55:00.001-05:00

I have been intrigued by encaustic work for a long time. I love the look of the wax and the textures are so rich and tactile. Nancy Donaldson is a master at encaustic and furthermore one of the most kind and generous people I know. She took a day of her busy life and taught me the basics. Here are some of the pieces I worked on. The sample board was the first project. Each square is an example of a different technique. It is a great way to remember the lesson, since it actually reminds you of what you did. The other 2 are two simple projects. I loved the day and want to try more!!! Thanks so much Nancy!

Christmas 2011

2011-12-27T23:58:00.000-05:00

Amazing how there a a build up to Christmas and then before you know it it is over. It was a great time and here are some pictures to show it!

Bryce Canyon

2011-12-18T15:33:00.000-05:00

Last night I was looking at pictures and found myself revelling again at the beauty of Bryce Canyon. Can you see what I mean?

Coasters

2011-12-12T21:20:00.000-05:00

Well, they say you should try to go back to your roots sometimes. I found some marble tiles and decided to use some of the napkins I have been hoarding. It was one of the first projects I did and I so enjoyed it then. Nothing changes because I still love it now! The birdies are so cute, aren't they?

Decorating the Christmas tree

2011-12-11T21:15:00.000-05:00

Decorating the Christmas tree is one of my favourite activities! It puts me in a festive mood and I juts love it when it is finished. Like mother like daughter...

Facebook link

2011-12-10T21:52:00.000-05:00

Weird

I was always able to link my blog to my Facebook page and sine recently this is not working... Anyone have any suggestions?

All I want for Christmas....

2011-12-02T09:34:00.001-05:00

Yesterday as I was walking around in Bloor West village, to meet my friends for dinner, I came across a store with some very interesting jewelery. It is produced by Extasia Designer Jewelry. They have an amazing collection of vintage and Victorian style cameo and intaglio jewelry. Please check them out at http://www.extasia.com/. So now all I want for Christmas is something from their collection!!

Something new

2011-11-16T21:57:00.000-05:00

I have some time since I am on a break from my classes.

So, I decide to play with my lampwork beads I bought at the last Bead & Button show in Milwaukee.

I finished it with a viking knit chain. It worked out great!

Unbelievable....

2011-11-14T09:00:00.001-05:00

Now this is truly unbelievable. A ten-year old giving birth and not only that, via -c-section.... The age of consent in mexico is 12 and so abortion was not available to her. She would have faced prison. What about whoever got her pregnant?!!
http://www.postchronicle.com/news/breakingnews/article_212389772.shtml

Giant wave

2011-11-13T17:24:00.000-05:00

Check this guy out! Talk about nerves of steel....

Off the coast of Portugal by Nazare

A giant wave, 90 feet high!!!!

Fraud

2011-11-07T21:40:00.000-05:00

Well, good thing I checked my visa statement carefully. Two charges for flights with an airline I never even heard of appeared... Then they were cancelled. So my first reaction was that maybe it was a mistake. Then, because there were 2 I figured I better led Visa know. Turns out this is a common method they use to see if a charge will go through without trouble. They apparently try this a few times and then go for the big one!

Pay close attention.....

Gardening in Dutch style

2011-11-06T14:54:00.001-05:00

When my sister came to visit this summer she brought me a real Dutch souvenir. Delft blue rubber boots!Today I used it and worked in my garden in Dutch style :)

So tired....

2011-11-02T17:01:00.001-04:00

It must be November! I don't know if it is the weather or if it is the season or what. I am tired..... It can't be the weather because for November, really, I can't complain. The month maybe? I don't know. It could be work, school life or a combination of the above? Let's just say I am looking forward to some time off at Christmas. Did I say Christmas? Yikes, that just makes me realize how fast the time is going. I haven't done any jewelry work. I am just eying the pictures in my books and magazines when I have a few minutes finally at the end of each day. How about you, my blog reader? Are you inspired, and productive?

Dinner on the beach

2011-10-10T21:30:00.000-04:00

Every year we celebrate Thanksgiving with our friends in Hope Bay. It is a little community we are closely connected to. The dinner is a gathering of approximately 40 people, we all contribute and it really is like a big family. Well, this year the weather was so outstanding we decided to eat on the beach by our great host Kathy and Frank! You'll also note that the turkey (three of them) is cooked on a fire, under a bucket outside. Delicious.......

Thanksgiving

2011-10-07T08:26:00.002-04:00

Wow, it is Thanksgiving already. Times are busy and life is so fast. We came back last week from a little trip to Bryce Canyon and Zion Park. The weather was excellent and we walked and climbed throughout the canyons. It was breathtaking. The colours and the texture of the rock are so incredible. It is seems to be a part of the world that is not touched by modern life, and yet, of course it is. The erosion is creating many of the effect in the rocks and human behaviour really does leave something to be desired sometimes. However, it was stunning and, while I am not religious in the traditional sense, I experienced something profoundly spiritual. Take a look....

Have a great Thanksgiving everyone.

Fall

2011-09-24T00:07:00.000-04:00

And then it is Fall.... All my family has gone back to Holland and I wish I lived closer to them.

It is a strange time. Zoe has started at UoT and is liking it a lot. She is busy but happy. John is in Salt Lake City for work and so I feel a bit unsettled with these changes and the quiet in our house!

Next week I am joining John for a few days and we are going to Bryce Canyon and Zion Park in Utah. Exciting, one of the things on my bucket list... :)

Here is picture of what we hope to see!

Family and wedding

2011-09-11T00:02:00.000-04:00

Last week my nephew got married and for the occasion pretty much all my family from Holland came to visit. It was a lot of fun. We did some sightseeing, made a tour of the harbour and enjoyed time together befor the wedding.

We rented a limo and drove to the wedding in style. Tracey and Steven looked stunning and the party was at the Eglington Grand, the old movie theatre on Eglington West Avenue. I used to live right behind it. It is no longer a movie theatre. It is now used for weddings and it was just beautiful. There was a poster and an announcement on the banner of the theatre. Take a look!

Cirque du Soleil

2011-08-25T08:04:00.003-04:00

The other night we went to see Totem, the current Cirque du Soleil. It was outstanding as always. There were so many amazing acts. The music was great. The costumes and choreography were just so beautiful. If you haven't seen Cirque du Soleil, go check it out. It is well worth your time and money. Here are some picture, courtesy of Circque.
The first picture show a Russian group that had flexible bars, held on the shoulders of some very strong men, and on which others jumped and danced. The other shows women on a monocycle with a stack of bowls on their head, that they throw and catch while riding the monocycle.....

Periwinkle closure

2011-08-24T11:29:00.000-04:00

I just found out yesterday that Periwinkle will close its doors. Cindy, the owner, is having some personal health issues and has chosen, understandably, to not continue with her store. I hope she will be ok. Therefore, my jewelry will no longer be available there... Once I have some time (Ha!) I will move my items to Etsy. Stay tuned!

Jack Layton

2011-08-23T08:09:00.000-04:00

What sad news it was yesterday that Jack Layton passed away. I was moved by that as I think he was a true example of a great person and politician. His quote in his last letter is one I will remember:

My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.

Bathroom and Art

2011-08-22T12:22:00.002-04:00

I am so excited. Our bathroom is done and it looks great. All the pieces and choices work good together and the result is amazing. John did such a good job!

Of course some decorative pieces are also in order and I had just the right piece to hang in my new room:

I have a very talented friend most of you know, Nancy Donaldson. Look how beautifully her piece matches my new interior! Thanks Nancy.

Birthday

2011-08-12T10:55:00.000-04:00

I just wanted to say thanks to all of you who sent me greetings and best wishes on my birthday on Wednesday. I had a wonderful day and am lucky to have so many great people in my life!!

Bronze

2011-08-09T07:26:00.000-04:00

During my vacation I decided to play with some bronze wire. The wire itself looks like brass. Yet, when you heat it up it takes on this beautiful colour. Take a look.

St Lucia continued

2011-08-06T23:34:00.000-04:00

Well, Zoe's time in St Lucia is almost up. She is having a great time, but I miss her and can't wait to see her and hear all the stories. Here is the entire camp crew, and a beautiful lake shot and the camp blog link!

Creative Vacation

2011-08-05T13:40:00.000-04:00

While on vacation in Hope bay on the Bruce Peninsula, I spent lots of time doing nothing and relaxing. The weather was outstanding and the water even warm enough for me to go in it. (I HATE cold water...:).

I did spend a bit of time making some jewelry. This was one project. I bought these vintage amber-coloured dudas that were attached to clothing as decoration. I wanted to use them and so voila! The wire is bronze and the rest is "beadsoup"!

St Lucia

2011-07-18T21:26:00.001-04:00

On Sunday Zoe is going to St Lucia as a volunteer with the St Lucia Learning project to help teach little children there and to be part of a group of wonderful people trying to help the people of small town there.

Take a look at the St. Lucia Learning Project here. I am so proud of her!!

Ontario landscapes

2011-07-11T09:29:00.001-04:00

This weekend I drove to the cottage for a wedding. The weather was fantastic and the landscape just so beautiful. Have a peek! The wedding was great too. John built a structure to hold the keyboard for the music for the wedding. It turned out to become a white grand piano! It looked so real.

Mahogany Jasper

2011-07-08T10:13:00.000-04:00

I love Japser. It come in so many hues and colours. I was asked to make a necklace for someone's birthday. This is what I came up with. Nothing too complicated and yet it worked out beautifully!

Bird's nest...

2011-07-05T20:59:00.000-04:00

Isn't this priceless? This Robin made a nest on top of the light outside the cottage. Amazing....

Handcrafted Magazine

2011-06-28T07:48:00.000-04:00

Last night I got an email from my friend Rebekah who congratulated me on being published in Somerset's Handcrafted magazine. Let's say I was surprised! I have heard or seen anything so if you see the magazine, take a look! I am sure it is the beads I made for carmi's extrordinary mixed up media club....

Graduation

2011-06-18T11:53:00.000-04:00

My Zoe is graduating on June 27th. Help me congratulate her and see how impressive she looks!

More bead and Button

2011-06-13T21:01:00.001-04:00

Well, I am back from bead and Button and I have to say once again that it was amazing. There is so much talent out there, it is truly astounding. Take a look at some of these pictures. I don't work with seed beads or lamp glass but am just in awe in these pieces and the amount of work that goes into them.

Bead and Button 2011

2011-06-02T19:39:00.000-04:00

Well, I am off to Chicago for a cancer conference and then am off the Bead and Button!!!!

I will keep you posted. Should be fun!

Zoe's PROM

2011-05-27T16:07:00.001-04:00

Well, my baby is growing up. Last night was her PROM and she was so excited. She looked great and had a fun time. On to graduation!

Fracture assessment tool

2011-05-25T16:37:00.000-04:00

If you are in the age range where you may be menopausal, you may be interested in figuring out whether you are at risk for osteoporosis and for fractures. This website can give you information.

http://www.shef.ac.uk/FRAX/index.jsp

Georgian Bay

2011-05-23T20:29:00.000-04:00

We spent the weekend in Hope Bay on beautiful Georgian Bay. The weather was constantly changing. A great weekend and such stunning scenery.

A favourite artist

2011-05-15T21:18:00.000-04:00

Marcia Decoster is someone I admire.

Here is her blog if you are interested.

She works with seed beads and makes stunning jewelry. Seed beads drive me crazy, they are so tiny and they inadvertently end up on the floor or across my desk. I saw some of Marcia's work in Milwaukee last year at Bead & Button. She was so nice and her work was stunning.

My Secret Daughter

2011-05-13T23:25:00.000-04:00

I just finished this book: My Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda

Just an amazing book about 2 mothers in very different circumstances. And then, I was looking for the cover for this blog post, I typed in the title into Google and came across this site. Great reviews and great suggestions for when you are looking of what to read next!

http://www.skrishnasbooks.com/

Cirque du Soleil

2011-05-10T21:54:00.000-04:00

I LOVE Cirque du Soleil, so we just bought tickets! What fun. It will be in August but I am already excited.....

Now I need someone to come to the Opera with me. Puccini's Turandot is on in early 2012... Anyone?

School's out for the summer so I am already enjoying myself by making plans.

Spring has sprung!!

2011-05-09T19:32:00.000-04:00

Spring is my favourite season. I love all of them but spring is so great. All is new and the tulips are the symbol of spring. I was in Seattle and at the market there were so many. Check these out!

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T20:58:00.000-04:00

This is one of may favourite days. It makes me feel special. A surprise breakfast, some special presents from my baby and most of all, a handmade card. It is truly a unique bond you feel with your child. The best thing that can happen to anyone! The love of and for a child, so precious.... To all of you who have a special child in your life, as mothers, aunts or other ways, Happy mother's day!

Royal Wedding

2011-04-30T21:15:00.000-04:00

Funny, I am not a big fan of the British Royal family and yet I did enjoy catching a glimpse of the wedding. They seem a neat couple and for 1 day people were united around a happy event in this time where so much of the news is negative. I heard an interview where someone said that London was a big social event with people partying and dancing. What fun! And her new names are my first and middle name! Katherine Elisabeth.... :)

Need Inspiration???

2011-04-27T22:56:00.000-04:00

Maybe try this? It is a free Creative Soul TeleSummit and it starts today!!

http://www.creativesoulstelesummit.com/

Happy Easter

2011-04-26T21:43:00.000-04:00

Well, no time and so busy. However, I just wanted to say Happy Easter to all of you. I hope you enjoy some relaxing time off!

Too funny, it is now Tuesday and I just noticed that I forgot to post it. Oh well, better late than never!

Welcome home

2011-04-03T12:09:00.000-04:00

When I came home from my trip, John welcomed me with flowers and was creative in the way he displayed them....:) What do you think?!!!

Spring and Dutch markets

2011-04-02T13:20:00.001-04:00

It was definitely spring in Holland. You can see that people are creative in cathcing a few rays.... One thing that occurs in just about nay city in Holland is open air markets. I love them. Together with my sister we ventured out to a fabric market. Who can resist to buy some loverly fabric when you see all there is? I couldn't :)

Wooden shoes and flowers

2011-03-31T22:04:00.000-04:00

As you can see wooden shoes are still used in Holland..... We did have coffee beforehand...

There are also taart architecten which means cake designers. Don't the cupcakes look tempting?

Some more Holland

2011-03-30T21:46:00.000-04:00

Here are some more pics from my trip to Holland. Ships in a harbour in Rotterdam, Scheveningen, eating haring and enjoying spring in Holland!,

Holland America Line

2011-03-19T15:21:00.001-04:00

I am in Holland to spend time with my sister. Things are well, and we decided to go to Rotterdam. The weather is stunning and so a little time outdoors is excellent!

We visited the original starting point of the Holland America line in the harbour. They have changed the building into a great restaurant and a beautiful hotel. Hotel New York. Isn't it amazing?

One Sunday afternoon

2011-03-13T21:10:00.000-04:00

What to do, a Sunday afternoon and time to spend.

This is what we did.... It is our bathroom. Stay tuned!

Spelbound (AMAZING Gymnasts) - Britain's Got Talent (2010) HQ

2011-03-10T20:11:00.000-05:00

Here is an amazing group of young people. Watch the judges' faces....

I Believe She's Amazing

2011-03-04T20:18:00.002-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfcKvevod3k <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfcKvevod3k>

For all amazing women in my life!
A Flash Mob Dance Video was organized by Kim MacGregor. Kim created this as a tribute to her best friend Erika Heller who died of colon cancer last year at age 31. Each and every telephone conversation they ever had, Erika would end by telling Kim "You're an amazing woman"! Well, Kim wanted to do something special to honour her friend and this is the result. It was filmed at the Toronto Eaton Centre after only one 6 hour rehearsal.
Kim's goal is to reach 1,000,000 viewers - please help her reach her goal and pass this on to all the amazing women in your life.
My sister is recovering from her surgery and is doing well!! She is an amazing woman
Enjoy!!!

Send good thoughts!

2011-02-26T12:44:00.000-05:00

On Monday my sister in Holland will undergo surgery for breast cancer. Please send all the positive thoughts you can come up with her way!!!! I am going to visit in 2 weeks.

Cutting for Stone

2011-02-24T20:26:00.000-05:00

An amazing book, and one that I definitely now have in my top ten favourites. "cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese.

Family Day

2011-02-21T21:37:00.000-05:00

Family Day, a relatively new holiday. Initially I didn't think much of it, just another day off. But each year we have done a family type of thing and I have to say I actuallu enjoy it. Today we went with John's family to Congee Queen, a Chnese restaurant on Don Mills and Lawrence. Great food, great people and so a great time!!

Doe, a deer, a female deer

2011-02-20T17:25:00.001-05:00

Every year in the winter, we have deer perusing our backyard (and eating my cedars!). They are amazing to watch. Yesterday we were in the hot tub and one stood watching us for 30 minutes. Maybe she liked my bathing suit :)

How lucky we are to be able to see this while living in a city!

To all my friends and family

2011-02-14T21:18:00.001-05:00

In the midst of this busy life, there are many moments where I am grateful for all of you. Friends and family give life that special feeling and without them life is not meaningful. I am grateful for all of you being part of my life. There are some events that pose some challenges to life right now and knowing I have a support system means so much to me.

Thank you.

Blah....

2011-02-06T18:43:00.000-05:00

I have the blahs. I am dragging around, with a cold, tired and no energy. My sister in Holland needs surgery. I think I need to go.....

Flexible

2011-02-03T21:08:00.000-05:00

So, you think you are flexible?

Check this out.....

Unbelievable

http://www.jokeroo.com/bin/player.swf?5f9f_f369

Will it or won't it, that is the question...

2011-02-01T20:44:00.000-05:00

Will it be the bid storm they are predicting...? I always wonder whether it is hype or reality. Only one way to find out... Before I drive off to work tomorrow, a peek out the window will do the trick.

Here is a picture of the great blizzard of 1888 in new York. let's hope it is not going to be like this!

(picture courtesy of Historic National Weather Service Collection.)

By Hand

2011-01-29T21:20:00.000-05:00

I spent the last few days at a meeting in Vancouver. Yesterday afternoon I had a bit of time to wonder around on Granville Island and found a great book called Amsterdam by hand. It describes 10 walking tours of Amsterdam to find the local artists. It is excellent. And the, after reading the book, I noticed there is another one called Paris handmade:
http://blog.piajanebijkerk.com/WordPress/pias-first-book-paris-made-by-hand-is-out-now/
Let's just say I am planning my next trip...:)

Bead and Button

2011-01-25T19:48:00.001-05:00

Respite is what I will need at the end of this stretch in my studies.... I registered for Bead and Button and am already excited! I am taking classes with Kim St Jean, Ed and Martha Biggar and Mary Hettmansperger, Yippee!!!!

Floods

2011-01-19T22:01:00.000-05:00

Every year in Holland in the town where I lived, the river "de Waal" floods out of its banks due to melting snow in Switzerland. My brother took these photographs. Isn't is wild?! The boat is a pancake restaurant...

Ballet

2011-01-16T19:52:00.001-05:00

Today I went with Zoe to get her ballet shoes for her new ballet classes. She has been wanting to do Point for so long and now is able to get started. Doesn't she look just so great and happy?!

Organized

2011-01-15T09:52:00.000-05:00

It's snowing outside and I have an assignment due. I decided to start my day by sitting by the fireplace with a coffee and browse through the latest Somerset Studio issue. I haven't bought it in several years. Yesterday I needed a break from a very busy week and since I don't have a lot of time to work on any jewelry projects, I figured that eye candy at least let's me dwell in the creative world. On page 12 is a great little article on discipline as it relates to managing your time. They mention in there social media. Boy, did that hit home for me. Once I sign on to email, Facebook, blogs or Internet, so often I find that that little window of time I had , has disappeared. I drift and click and before I know it the time has gone by so fast.... Do you recognize this?

Especially with my classes and my travels aside from the regular work week, I need to be so organized to get it all done and to still feel sane. What am I saying?! Back to work and reality.

Immersed....

2011-01-12T21:06:00.000-05:00

Well, I am officially immersed in homework..... Make me smile every now and then, will you?

My last free night for a while...

2011-01-10T20:53:00.000-05:00

Tonight is my last free night for a while... I am restarting my university courses again. Until May. I am committed to finishing my Master's before I retire! Wish me luck :)

New Orleans

2011-01-09T20:19:00.000-05:00

Like Nancy I was in new Orleans for a few days. I went there for a very busy 2 day meeting but had a few hours the day I arrived. So I decided to go to the Garden district and the Lafayette cemetery. Here are some pictures. I discovered a store with encaustic art work.... I thought of Nancy!

The houses are so southern. It reminds me of hot and lazy afternoons on the sing on the porch with some lazy jazz and southern accents!

On the buss I saw this add: for "the occasional wife". How funny. It is a business. Maybe there is a business in "the occasional husband"!

Inspiration

2011-01-04T23:50:00.000-05:00

Well, following my post yesterday I have worked non-stop to clean and organize my area. Loads of stuff went out of the house, with me thinking this would make more space but I have so much, it is filled up already. My cupboard is now organized with all my boxes with beads. Great you say? Well I found an entire collection the seize of a laundry bin with all kinds of beads, findings, buttons and more, spread out across my space. It is now in the laundry bin, and over the next weeks I will attempt to put them in bead boxes and label them. No more beads needed for a long time!!

All books are now in one place, no more books needed for a long time!!

Magazines all in one place. No more... oh but I forgot I subscribe to 3, I guess I'll need to get rid of some. I have tons of stamping magazines I plan to ditch. Anyone interested????

I am not done yet, but need a break now. I decided to put out some of my creations from our monthly Carmi club and they really do inspire me. It is time for a monthly get together, and make whatever someone wants to. What do you think?

These pictures are from Paris last summer and they make me feel creative.... So now all I need is more time!

2011-01-03T15:07:00.001-05:00

I receive Beading Daily, a free online newsletter from Interweave press. Today, the editor Kristal Wick wrote this and let's just say I could have written this! "When it comes to the world of creativity, are you schizophrenic like me? I started down the artistic path eons ago in stained glass, then moved into pottery, fused-glass jewelry, silk painting, and fabric embellishment, and I'm now hanging my beady hat in this wonderful world of jewelry. Each little creative part of my personality fights in a constant internal battle to win moments of my time to spend time making "their" form of art".

While I didn't start with stained glass or pottery, I did gravitate from my first obsession of stamps and paper, to jewelry. But I constantly find myself attracted to other media and forms and seem to be all over the map! So much so lately, that I end up pretty much doing nothing other than reading and imagining what I could be doing. Starting my Master's program again next week won't help much! Oh well, nothing really depends on it and I'll just make time wherever I can. (Although that is where the problem is....). I am starting by rearranging my space and sorting stuff. So far it has just made me sneeze from all the dust I am stirring up. I am waiting for the dust to settle, for time to stand still and for creative impulses to become reality! Any advice? Feel free to share it!!

Sale at Periwinkle!!

2011-01-02T21:08:00.001-05:00

SALE

If you are looking to get a real head start on Christmas shopping for 2011......, head down to Periwinkle on Bloor street where some of my jewlery is featured and where a great sale is taking place!!

Happy New year!!

2011-01-01T15:56:00.000-05:00

A very happy New Year to all of you and may 2011 be a stellar year for you.

More Jennifer Donelly

2010-12-30T20:52:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I recommended Revolution as a great read. Today I have to add an earlier book Jennifer Donnelly wrote: . This too was a great experience and based on a true story. Enjoy!!

Northern Light

Jennifer Donnelly

2010-12-29T20:42:00.000-05:00

If you are looking for a great read over the holidays, try Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly. It is a great book. I am dragging my heels this week and am hanging out, reading visiting family etc. If you want to see what the book is about here is a link: Description of Revolution

Happy Holidays

2010-12-26T22:12:00.000-05:00

Happy holidays everyone. I hope all of you had a good time spending the holidays however you did....

All is calm...

2010-12-23T22:22:00.001-05:00

The day has come, I am off!!!! Yeah, I have really looked forward to this moment and am ready for Christmas. Are you?

Tomorrow I am preparing dinner for my sister and her partner, and our good friends and their kids. Christmas day is John's family. I am looking forward to it!!

Lunar eclipse

2010-12-20T20:16:00.000-05:00

Are you getting up this night? It is the winter solstice and also a lunar eclipse. The last time these 2 events coincided was according to some in 1638 and others say in 1545! A long time ago for sure...

It happens rarely and will not occur again in our life time. So set your alarm!

A total lunar eclipse occurs when the sun, Earth and moon are almost exactly in line, with the moon and sun on opposite sides of our home planet.

The alignment will cause the full moon to appear much dimmer than usual, but sunlight passing through the Earth's atmosphere will give the lunar surface a deep reddish hue at dawn.

Christmas Spirit...

2010-12-14T08:56:00.000-05:00

It is not taking me long this year to get in the Christmas spirit. Holly Jolly is one thing that helps. While the number of visitors left something to be desired this year, it was fun to hang out with the gang. The following day I had my little Christmas get together with my side of the family. That too has become a tradition and I just love it. Now I am working on getting my shopping list done and then it will be the 25th. Time does fly when you are having fun!

Tomorrow's Holly Jolly Sale

2010-12-10T11:54:00.002-05:00

Well, my inventory is good and my back is sore! I worked hard to have some great pieces for tomorrow's sale and so I hope to see you there. It will be great. We have 8 vendors in total with very unique items that will make great gifts for your friends and family for Christmas. Come and visit! Extraordinary Holly Jolly Christmas sale

Holly Jolly preview!

2010-12-07T21:59:00.000-05:00

Just a quick preview of one of my pieces for Holly Jolly!

Two worlds apart.....

2010-12-05T19:45:00.000-05:00

This past week we were in Mexico and spent a glorious 7 days in the sun and warm weather. We did a bit of sight seeing and visited Coba, an ancient Mayan ruin and also a little Mayan town. For the rest we ate, slept, walked on the beach and laughed. A great time with some great friends. And then you are back in your own world, with snow and cold weather. I decided to dive in and to get into the Christmas spirit, so went out into the snow and bought our tree!

And now on to Holly Jolly, our extraordinary sale, next Saturday!!!

A day with friends

2010-11-21T20:49:00.000-05:00

This is what happens when you spend a day with friends with similar interests. Many things happen. Inspiration, laughter, stories, some getting fixed..... I had a fun time and look forward to the next get together.

Extraordinary Holly Jolly Christmas Sale

2010-11-14T18:17:00.000-05:00

It is that time of the year again. Christmas is approaching and therefore also our annual Extraordinary Holly Jolly Christmas sale.

This Christmas Sale will take place on Saturday December 11th 2010, 10 am till 3 pm

at the Zion Church Cultural Centre, 1650 Finch Avenue East,

(on the north side of Finch Avenue East, one block east of Don Mills Road OR two blocks west of the DVP/404)

Complete your Christmas shopping and buy beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces from vendors, several of whom only showcase their art at this show. All items are hand made and you will be able to present your family and friends with some beautiful, unusual and unique presents.

I hope you can make it!!

Copper play

2010-11-13T20:11:00.000-05:00

I decided to play with some pieces of copper and some wire. See what happened...?

Fog

2010-11-12T21:45:00.003-05:00

I flew home from Montreal today where the
weather was stunning. Sunny, beautiful, 12 degrees and when we got to Toronto, we actually watched, from the plane, the fog move in. It was like a Sci-Fi movie. See the escarpment? And then it is all clouds.....

Truly amazing...

Free videos

2010-11-10T20:47:00.000-05:00

Just thought I'd share this site with you where you can access many jewelry making videos for free:

http://www.eksuccessbrands.com/joleesjewels/creative/videos.htm

Enjoy!!

Now it's a set!

2010-11-07T22:18:00.000-05:00

I couldn't help myself. The bronze bracelet needed a necklace and earrings to match... Here they are! I think I am becoming a bronze junkie. It is quite different from silver to work with. The metal is harder, doesn't fire but colours beautifully when you heat it. It looks like brass when you first start, but then takes on golden colours when you put a torch to it.

Sidetracked

2010-11-04T08:51:00.000-04:00

While I was looking for my wire to finish a viking knit chain for my choker, I came across bronze wire I had bought. I couldn't resist and this is what happened. Don't you just love the bronze colour...?!

Best of both

2010-11-01T19:51:00.004-04:00

My friend came up with a great suggestion. Make it a convertible necklace and make it so you could use either one! She is so smart ;)
So I am going to try. Stay tuned....

Fused Silver or Viking Knit

2010-10-31T18:36:00.001-04:00

I need you opinion. I finished this silver wire wrapped beauty and am trying to decide whether to use a fused silver chain or a viking knit necklace. What do you think?

2010-10-24T14:07:00.002-04:00

What a busy day we had on Saturday. First we went to the University of Toronto open house. Zoe would like to go there next year so we toured the campus, gathered information and were please with what we saw.

Then we walked over to El Mocambo to see Cami. She once again had great cards for sale in the theme of the "day of the dead" and Frida Kahlo. Beautiful!

Next was the Creativ festival. I discovered this new UK company with the most amazing wooden printing blocks. Look what you can do with them. The owners were the nicest people and it all reminded me of Rebecca Gill, from the UK who owns Stewart Gill paints. If you have never tried these, if you do find them give them a go. There are stunning. I had to restrain myself from buying stacks of blocks!.... Here is the website: http://www.colouricious.com/

And then the Grand Finale!! The Fashionshow was fantastic, maybe 200-300 people, very professional runway, great music and Zoe, walking the catwalk as if she has done this her whole life! Just excellent.

Creative Festival

2010-10-22T21:23:00.001-04:00

If you are going to the Creative festival (http://www.csnf.com/f10_event.html) this weekend and happen to be there Saturday, watch out for the fashion show of the Academy of design. My Zoe is in it as a model and you can watch her on the runway around 8-8.30 pm!!! It is her first one and she is very excited and so am I!