Three new pieces

My holiday travel plans were canceled (thanks COVID), so I found myself at home for twelve days straight — a perfect opportunity to spend some quality time in my home studio. I didn’t get everything accomplished I wanted, but I’m happy with the three pieces I finished.

I started with a custom order — a pair if copper and sterling earrings for a holiday gift — then I picked up some cabochons I purchased at the Yorktown Art Stroll in September.

I started with a teardrop shaped laguna lace agate and set it in sterling. I don’t like high shines, so I left some texture on the backing. Next, I set an oval cabochon of jasper. I’m not sure what the variety is, but I love the earthy colors. I set it in a hand stamped copper backing, and darkened it with a patina.

The last piece has vexed me for many months. I’d textured a copper dome and soldered a backing to it a wile ago and left it on my bench. I’d pick it up and put it down, vacillating between interest and indifference. With the year coming to an end, I challenged myself to just get it done. So I did.

I cleaned up and filed the edges the copper component and then added the sterling wire and the jump ring for hanging. I’m happy that I finally finished it and happy with the result (though as always, I see the imperfections).

Happy New Year and keep moving forward. Be happy to get things done, even when they’re not perfect.

I'm Back

It’s been a long time. Like everyone else, I’ve been sheltering at home as much as possible. I am fortunate to be able to work from home on my “day job” since mid-March. I am also fortunate to have not gotten sick myself. My family and friends are all healthy. I get to spend days with my husband and my dog.

So what’s my excuse? I can’t exactly nail it down, but this “new normal” and the stress it brings have not been conducive to creativity. Instead of being excited to work in my studio, I avoided it. I cooked and baked. A lot. I worked on a jigsaw puzzle. I played mindless games on my iPad.

I’m happy to report that something switched back on. I had trouble sleeping the other night, and I started to design earrings in my head. That happened to me a lot, pre-pandemic. Whatever block I had that prevented me from getting busy in the studio has gone.

I’m happy to report that today’s studio session was successful. I made versions of the earrings I thought about this week. I’m pleased with how they turned out, and I’m excited to try something new again tomorrow.

Thanks for reading.