Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Get Your Kicks

I hit the jackpot recently when I found these pins and charms.

I love using relics like these in pieces of my jewelry because there is some kind of uniquely personal story attached to each pin or charm. I don't yet know how I will carry on the storylines of these recent finds, but I just finished a necklace that was partly inspired by a small pin found at a thrift store.

I was cutting up segments of an old measuring stick, and the 66 inch mark made me think of Route 66. The hopeful promise of a new and better life that the old highway offered to desperate people in the 1930's is something that resonates with me. I searched through my collection of commemorative pins and found the AAA Service Patrol- perfect! This service pin is a miniature version of the badge that I wore when I was a 6th grade crossing guard at my grammar school. That now strikes me as a very bad idea- putting a kid in charge of other kid's safety as they crossed the street on their way to school.

Anyway........I sanded the cut edge of the measuring stick and gave it a gentle cleaning with a damp cloth. A piece of copper with 6 tabs was cut and riveted to a brass base. The tabs were bent over the '66' segment to fasten it in place after I stamped 'GET YOUR KICKS' on the brass base. The pin back was removed from the AAA pin and a hole was drilled for fastening as a dangle.

The brass base that I used has a beautiful etched pattern on the back. The chain is recycled from old necklaces and incorporates wire wrapped amazonite, sterling spacers and hand forged copper rings.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Holiday Shows

The holiday shows are underway. My inventory is distributed, and now I can focus on the special request orders that have been placed. This is my first year in the Woodmere Art Museum Holiday Gift Gallery.

Woodmere is a wonderful art museum located in Chestnut Hill. One of the gallery spaces has been transformed into a gift shop featuring handcrafted items with a focus on local artisans. Visiting Woodmere any time of the year is always a great way to spend part of your day. A bonus is the fact that Morris Arboretum is practically next door- a great way to spend the rest of your day.

The Main Line Art Center show opened last night with the Member's Preview. When I arrived to set up my items on Monday, I realized that the allotted space was smaller than I had anticipated. Gasp- it's an unexpected thrill to have to completely rethink your display in approximately 5 minutes.

Not what I had originally envisioned, but I fit everything into the display.
It was so inspiring to see everyone's work, and I feel fortunate to be included in this group of fellow artisnas.

Other locations where I have items:

Sweet Mable in Narberth, PA and Place Vendome in Summit, NJ