tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36741213344333690622024-02-19T08:01:44.821-08:00Cynthia Murray DesignCynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17611823171587645020noreply@blogger.comBlogger363125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674121334433369062.post-53114133035643346472017-06-09T08:08:00.003-07:002017-06-15T18:13:29.086-07:00Where Do Ideas Come From?<div style="text-align: center;">
Deciding what my next project will be is sometimes a mysterious process.</div>
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When sitting down at my jewelry workbench, </div>
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I often don't know what I'll make </div>
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and need to look at my collection of materials </div>
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until something stands out and starts an internal discussion.</div>
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Just a flicker of an idea </div>
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is enough for me to begin a direction that is often altered, </div>
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but that initial momentum </div>
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gets my creative thoughts flowing.</div>
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<br /></div>
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My paintings begin from a variety of inspirations...</div>
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a photograph, </div>
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a particular combination of colors, </div>
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the atmosphere at dusk</div>
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and sometimes....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnxbIARDaST2aDh0yQHCEaCE2SNKpJQGNAFJxPwNylq_TWCiYMcmOAxkGgh4E50y4iCLU3iRuI4T5pti3xHcdK37yzxTePQyTY9JZ4_jBqu6UI6T2B_AC2iJQ834BadKBY7BrX_1mlVvw/s1600/painting+drive+pic+a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnxbIARDaST2aDh0yQHCEaCE2SNKpJQGNAFJxPwNylq_TWCiYMcmOAxkGgh4E50y4iCLU3iRuI4T5pti3xHcdK37yzxTePQyTY9JZ4_jBqu6UI6T2B_AC2iJQ834BadKBY7BrX_1mlVvw/s320/painting+drive+pic+a.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
what I see through the windshield of my car.</div>
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Several weeks ago,</div>
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my morning drive to work was very slow </div>
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due to the heavy rainfall.</div>
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Moving along at around 4mph,</div>
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I periodically turned off my windshield wipers </div>
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and liked how the accumulating raindrops</div>
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began to abstract the view.</div>
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Considering what I might want to present </div>
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in several upcoming shows,</div>
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I thought that these rainy morning images </div>
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could possibly be the inspiration for a series of paintings.</div>
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Each image can stand alone as an interesting composition,</div>
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and the grouping suggests a storyline</div>
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that can invite a variety of interpretations.</div>
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The beginning of this week was all jewelry</div>
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as I prepared for a Thursday delivery of new inventory to </div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="https://woodmereartmuseum.org/">Woodmere Art Museum</a>.</span></div>
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Last night,</div>
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I was ready to get back to painting.</div>
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On a piece of gessoed, 140 lb, </div>
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cold pressed cotton paper,</div>
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I did a quick, rough sketch in graphite</div>
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as I looked at one the my rainy morning images </div>
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on the small screen of my phone. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlp_0U955PRqcwBmEfzzTJQEFtj_-PujZEB8nN2y8GPk1F42QlPjTiThSDE-oLmpka2ZlL1RQhsieemX1ua47TIP7OyUODavEZGH6CsJ_HKV6LOzp6xJOpUMbDuTYS5dvWIqmOh7lGLvE/s1600/painting+drive+schematic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="984" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlp_0U955PRqcwBmEfzzTJQEFtj_-PujZEB8nN2y8GPk1F42QlPjTiThSDE-oLmpka2ZlL1RQhsieemX1ua47TIP7OyUODavEZGH6CsJ_HKV6LOzp6xJOpUMbDuTYS5dvWIqmOh7lGLvE/s320/painting+drive+schematic.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
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Using acrylic Neutral Grey, Parchment and Titanium White,</div>
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the sketch was developed as a monotone image</div>
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with textures made by my favorite wooden skewer.</div>
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Once I began using paints,</div>
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I stopped looking at the picture on my phone,</div>
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preferring instead to refer to my memory...</div>
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another layer of abstraction</div>
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like the raindrops on my windshield.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgul5VFiXSw9lVt3mp8AslQ37ERFUWwwp29SVdxUeRaqkCNg8gTwfU5lurnPU0ZaS8Xd2Q5BD86Rf4-eNP1Xm3x3_CTZ1BgRgznMMBJgd3p6Br_rSkj5cyRwWMD3XGZrcd0AG670zF9pCY/s1600/painting+drive.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="882" data-original-width="675" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgul5VFiXSw9lVt3mp8AslQ37ERFUWwwp29SVdxUeRaqkCNg8gTwfU5lurnPU0ZaS8Xd2Q5BD86Rf4-eNP1Xm3x3_CTZ1BgRgznMMBJgd3p6Br_rSkj5cyRwWMD3XGZrcd0AG670zF9pCY/s320/painting+drive.JPG" width="244" /></a></div>
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When the first layer of paint dried,</div>
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hints of color were added with </div>
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Light Blue Violet and Green Gold.</div>
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After that application dried,</div>
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a bit of shadowing was done with a charcoal stick.</div>
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<br /></div>
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While I see areas that could be enhanced and developed,</div>
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I'm liking the spontaneity and energy that this piece conveys.</div>
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So...</div>
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maybe it's done.</div>
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And that's where ideas come from....</div>
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sometimes...</div>
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<br /></div>
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for me, </div>
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at least. </div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17611823171587645020noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674121334433369062.post-74346827111632555372017-05-05T17:55:00.001-07:002017-05-06T06:38:08.891-07:00From the Mighty Oak<div style="text-align: center;">
Always on the lookout for interesting textures to incorporate into my jewelry,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczTz2TknqhrDDxsc4ILDk3C9nIOHGoFmsZBN2E64BTgWvbNlnhavjtygjh5RzX6DgNgFZRy4ISyXdy7ppt9YwB6tJh-nXQv5pjChay2T729DT7Ck-OZzdmPchnj90SxbFn8cKmuM6hhE/s1600/jewelry+oak+leaf.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczTz2TknqhrDDxsc4ILDk3C9nIOHGoFmsZBN2E64BTgWvbNlnhavjtygjh5RzX6DgNgFZRy4ISyXdy7ppt9YwB6tJh-nXQv5pjChay2T729DT7Ck-OZzdmPchnj90SxbFn8cKmuM6hhE/s320/jewelry+oak+leaf.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
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I recently found a well preserved white oak leaf, </div>
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left over from last year's growing season.</div>
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Oak leaves are generally pretty tough, </div>
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making this one a potential candidate for my rolling mill.</div>
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The leaf was sandwiched between two pieces of annealed copper</div>
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and then rolled through the mill.</div>
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Because I used a thin gauge of copper to get a good imprint,</div>
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I planned to solder the newly formed leaf </div>
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onto a piece of metal that had been previously etched </div>
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in order to have a finished product </div>
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with enough substance to maintain its shape.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I tried to be smart about my soldering </div>
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and began by sweat soldering pieces of easy solder on to the back of the leaf.</div>
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After cleaning the leaf in pickle,</div>
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it was fluxed and placed on a piece of etched nickel....</div>
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also fluxed.</div>
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While these are relatively large pieces of metal,</div>
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I wasn't overly concerned</div>
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since neither is of a heavy gauge.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Well...</div>
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I guess I should have been a bit more concerned</div>
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since things did not work out the way I had planned.</div>
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Some of the solder flowed, </div>
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and some of it didn't.</div>
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The flux must have been burned off</div>
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because no matter how much heat was applied,</div>
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I couldn't seem to get more of the solder to do what I wanted it to do.</div>
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I know I could have taken the partially connected assembly apart, </div>
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pickled it</div>
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and start again...</div>
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but I just didn't want to.</div>
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I made the executive decision that this would be a </div>
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partly soldered/mostly riveted piece.</div>
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Holes were drilled in strategic locations...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhfMiGlkGwU0xl8JRiDJ3MTLyC_tbsnXxw70-y0hMl31UO5auqubRhUCi1VVe58VBWOGPjMY_HX2RHqAZFC2L0DopYS5T_G_glaK897vNQo4fT7RKHXgAqTDJgJCdDmkoPHYTG7gIrGIk/s1600/jewelry+oak+leaf+etched+back.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhfMiGlkGwU0xl8JRiDJ3MTLyC_tbsnXxw70-y0hMl31UO5auqubRhUCi1VVe58VBWOGPjMY_HX2RHqAZFC2L0DopYS5T_G_glaK897vNQo4fT7RKHXgAqTDJgJCdDmkoPHYTG7gIrGIk/s320/jewelry+oak+leaf+etched+back.JPG" width="147" /></a></div>
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and rivets were made with short segments of sterling wire.</div>
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<br /></div>
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When I first found the white oak leaf,</div>
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I thought that maybe it could inspire a necklace.</div>
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It quickly became apparent </div>
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that the copper version was a bit too mighty to wear around the neck.</div>
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Second option...</div>
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a bracelet.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The riveted, layered leaf was formed </div>
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with a plastic mallet and my oval bracelet mandrel.</div>
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I feared that some of the rivets might pop as the leaf </div>
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was bent and pounded into shape,</div>
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but...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHH_NjgisLiygR-HKP-GSWjINhJtNNRI-ekQ8tzs1RVsCQpKMhP4qc9X0jjadPAB05YPaG8FHYv4oZpeC0g7v-0vozwlndiJGWAsTrhlaAwqr8CqdWQCP-Ba3-SYagoylZptMOICu-fc/s1600/jewelry+oak+leaf+formed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHH_NjgisLiygR-HKP-GSWjINhJtNNRI-ekQ8tzs1RVsCQpKMhP4qc9X0jjadPAB05YPaG8FHYv4oZpeC0g7v-0vozwlndiJGWAsTrhlaAwqr8CqdWQCP-Ba3-SYagoylZptMOICu-fc/s320/jewelry+oak+leaf+formed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
all connections held tight.</div>
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Sigh of relief!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Back to the garden </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to search for more millable leaves!</div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17611823171587645020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674121334433369062.post-71198299989831324772017-05-01T11:18:00.001-07:002017-05-01T16:40:06.293-07:00Keeping My Reluctant Resolution<div style="text-align: center;">
Trying to earn money as an artist/craftsperson </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
requires an ongoing search for display opportunities.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Since there is no financial benefit </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
from being the largest collector of one's own work, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
contact with the world outside my home studio does need to be made.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While I typically ignore the urge to make New Year's resolutions,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I did resolve to apply to more shows in 2017.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As expected, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm already experiencing mixed results </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
from staying true to my resolution.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My lack of confidence keeps me from painting the figure,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but I forced myself out of my comfort zone </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so I could enter a recent show, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'Body Language', </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
at Chester County Art Association.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JE0LbSyRLcbQ6ZhGrDUmM6LI2El47JZxjfyWxTAmSwn2ccgkwq8JYSUSmErB7obAfE1uV5rQPHZe269xD_tDJfH-XpWP_BIsoAjnXVliCpyt4xPHLktTbg3Ae8JLuW2Ap4DPUU2P7BM/s1600/painting+Monday+Morning.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JE0LbSyRLcbQ6ZhGrDUmM6LI2El47JZxjfyWxTAmSwn2ccgkwq8JYSUSmErB7obAfE1uV5rQPHZe269xD_tDJfH-XpWP_BIsoAjnXVliCpyt4xPHLktTbg3Ae8JLuW2Ap4DPUU2P7BM/s320/painting+Monday+Morning.png" width="315" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My painting,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'Monday Morning',</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
was juried into the show.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It didn't sell, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but I'll view getting into the show as a positive.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I entered the maximum allowed four paintings </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
into the upcoming juried show at Main Line Art Center.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All four paintings were rejected.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ouch.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was a bit stymied when I saw that </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Beauty Art Gallery in Newtown Square </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
was having a juried show with the theme </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'The Art of Music'.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How would I capture music in a painting?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I decided to go abstract and entered two pieces.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWx4nssep9_95qDtJXB8DrVGexX7vlWaKo4mK1VI8hDuGd-7bvor-G1BxdQg6ukNMARm-sxPMjjwCzhXywfXZnmwNYYvMx76Zw9rnVFHrMISs8IImYts1hZwgw5u1vhpQPEQH_lpJnTFM/s1600/painting+abstract+process+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWx4nssep9_95qDtJXB8DrVGexX7vlWaKo4mK1VI8hDuGd-7bvor-G1BxdQg6ukNMARm-sxPMjjwCzhXywfXZnmwNYYvMx76Zw9rnVFHrMISs8IImYts1hZwgw5u1vhpQPEQH_lpJnTFM/s320/painting+abstract+process+6.JPG" width="238" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> 'One Note'</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_BIOU3A0kvBWBvIvHTj05dMvxMFPpXFFSggHGc5ZQxPdsaZi4gqAeXTbsPMMmKPoaeYhDs94CMOSVSW1UHjSlH283ahadkdbWrvu2mHw3A5OaVeOkg7FOqqkA6YCCTLa4lxlm3EKsEK0/s1600/painting+cold+wax12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_BIOU3A0kvBWBvIvHTj05dMvxMFPpXFFSggHGc5ZQxPdsaZi4gqAeXTbsPMMmKPoaeYhDs94CMOSVSW1UHjSlH283ahadkdbWrvu2mHw3A5OaVeOkg7FOqqkA6YCCTLa4lxlm3EKsEK0/s320/painting+cold+wax12.jpg" width="156" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>'Many Notes'</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Both paintings were juried into the show</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and each painting received an award.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The upcoming juried show at </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wallingford Community Art Center</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
has the theme</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'Pattern'.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I again decided that I might best relate to the theme </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with something abstract,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and chose to work on top of a misguided mixed-media piece </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that I began years ago.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw07_Ed9syn9ul5r58P_ezbmuq_WGjOffmRxmfshvJf_Bl_hmWst0UMbogLkbAqnlCPaXjH29PX-J0h5-zf47uhUgs_V_zl40U2kHZwToaHx1cbs4mk6Jl52yQDgB3GO4E3d_fNd4w1HM/s1600/painting+stripes+1aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw07_Ed9syn9ul5r58P_ezbmuq_WGjOffmRxmfshvJf_Bl_hmWst0UMbogLkbAqnlCPaXjH29PX-J0h5-zf47uhUgs_V_zl40U2kHZwToaHx1cbs4mk6Jl52yQDgB3GO4E3d_fNd4w1HM/s320/painting+stripes+1aa.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Without any idea of where I was going,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I started by adding layers of both transparent and opaque colors.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Why had I collaged a vintage image of businessmen </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in front of a Roman aqueduct?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't know,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but that earlier work began to disappear </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as I thought that stripes would be my answer to the show's theme.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Using acrylics, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I kept applying paint,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBwXrQww5qTXgiWeEa7nvDaV0x95gwLvrakbRM6YF7I-O0agBLM_W92V9SdJ7rgMDwfXPLrj0Lvwo7HB2neqvt6F2FUF7X_NGNXwPz4DOEjyfxyI7APqPw7zOFOaMvwIWR9FnUzlWWqk/s1600/painting+stripes+1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdBwXrQww5qTXgiWeEa7nvDaV0x95gwLvrakbRM6YF7I-O0agBLM_W92V9SdJ7rgMDwfXPLrj0Lvwo7HB2neqvt6F2FUF7X_NGNXwPz4DOEjyfxyI7APqPw7zOFOaMvwIWR9FnUzlWWqk/s320/painting+stripes+1a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
adding texture,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5B3a-m2eIQfnl_rvwJNaY6hry5LlOH8aFJTdbnU2Q9FbbsE0YPk6RqW-12_-fBBKLeZBY-EvaC6oRrxHN7AAuBlTtQTiSLArIIWD0bEk9kl_ZyejBBCv8vOmiL3ltqnw_BZM9-MFHDI/s1600/painting+stripes+1b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5B3a-m2eIQfnl_rvwJNaY6hry5LlOH8aFJTdbnU2Q9FbbsE0YPk6RqW-12_-fBBKLeZBY-EvaC6oRrxHN7AAuBlTtQTiSLArIIWD0bEk9kl_ZyejBBCv8vOmiL3ltqnw_BZM9-MFHDI/s320/painting+stripes+1b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
evaluating the balance of color and shapes...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTrZ2P2toaJaLGogfusziMspS11mcIX7DtAPZdr3SFg21nsy6Y0Zs1hhbwsEAa-KtA8AYLpiFE7ohwzPkpUros77cB2V2hxXPw39XEpBcEH96LAWaoeOOJoP4wN9MszVIrZksysVNl6lg/s1600/painting+stripes+1c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTrZ2P2toaJaLGogfusziMspS11mcIX7DtAPZdr3SFg21nsy6Y0Zs1hhbwsEAa-KtA8AYLpiFE7ohwzPkpUros77cB2V2hxXPw39XEpBcEH96LAWaoeOOJoP4wN9MszVIrZksysVNl6lg/s320/painting+stripes+1c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
until I felt that the individual components</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UVv7FT-HAfQN5hJ5gYqI1_7Mf08zr5PLb-tqQsUQZkN54XpBUcWaTmGAzqa0BcQmdZ6XJVPsc_5Eh_iXMWvHA0Y07GFpxcFl2_q4aM3pUDUVIPL9JU3sH0vQimee2zMVxOzqzy7hLPU/s1600/painting+stripes+1d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UVv7FT-HAfQN5hJ5gYqI1_7Mf08zr5PLb-tqQsUQZkN54XpBUcWaTmGAzqa0BcQmdZ6XJVPsc_5Eh_iXMWvHA0Y07GFpxcFl2_q4aM3pUDUVIPL9JU3sH0vQimee2zMVxOzqzy7hLPU/s320/painting+stripes+1d.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
worked together as an implied pattern of cohesiveness.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While the aqueduct is no longer visible,<br />
I like how the heads of the underlying businessmen<br />
can still be detected.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The above painting, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
along with my second study of stripes</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJwnG9TAhcIk4rPBeD_AvmsUQ2P9N2m-stXxl4oV47zVRp4BYP1YKFtJkwVerzcKlVczao_qnZEl7tlVmr8JLtNuzygeu6Xy9MtmU7rn4k3mRFFi9QGgxypUQFm37SaJLu_CKqqOrLyY/s1600/painting+stripes+2d.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJwnG9TAhcIk4rPBeD_AvmsUQ2P9N2m-stXxl4oV47zVRp4BYP1YKFtJkwVerzcKlVczao_qnZEl7tlVmr8JLtNuzygeu6Xy9MtmU7rn4k3mRFFi9QGgxypUQFm37SaJLu_CKqqOrLyY/s320/painting+stripes+2d.JPG" width="233" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
will both be entered next Monday for jurying.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fingers are crossed.</div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17611823171587645020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674121334433369062.post-46370880075016668722017-04-11T13:26:00.000-07:002017-04-11T13:28:06.700-07:00Imperfectly Beautiful<div style="text-align: center;">
My ongoing search for vintage, silver plated platters </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
led me to a local thrift store this morning.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I found no platters,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but did find a couple of treasures that I bought.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This beautiful ring had some significant problems </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
which is why it was tagged at the surprisingly low price of </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
$4.00.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPTZLEweX58q7Suy33jlmH-5KvalHzOcoyF-vhDYduP0t6IMoGOecvB54xdBdyiBm53a64oe-7XjH3mFQSZbdTJpCPTvaVkQs2N8RriljVLi-fp5XUEPfDGRYW5V0e0RVGycJCyrOx_s/s1600/thrift+store+ring+front.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPTZLEweX58q7Suy33jlmH-5KvalHzOcoyF-vhDYduP0t6IMoGOecvB54xdBdyiBm53a64oe-7XjH3mFQSZbdTJpCPTvaVkQs2N8RriljVLi-fp5XUEPfDGRYW5V0e0RVGycJCyrOx_s/s320/thrift+store+ring+front.JPG" width="175" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
But....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it's sterling </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and turquoise</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and lovely.</div>
<br />
The chip in the turquoise?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes,<br />
it's there</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and no,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it doesn't bother me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I would never try to sell one of my pieces with a defect like this,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but I'm happy to add this ring to my personal stash.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In addition to the chip, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the shank of the ring was quite mangled,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4n-yMfDCOMYwjLz3tGp-dgTTLCVyfpJQSXjsqeiVr5bl_dM8vnb7kinouBB6i9Eh1Tu7mn_yQhdLiofkDtPoayT1_sJ9d59_XPdOmXwdxQ4MNqOAxpF-WMA4Vn0_4OgkHftVtmC3P68M/s1600/thrift+store+ring+back+bent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4n-yMfDCOMYwjLz3tGp-dgTTLCVyfpJQSXjsqeiVr5bl_dM8vnb7kinouBB6i9Eh1Tu7mn_yQhdLiofkDtPoayT1_sJ9d59_XPdOmXwdxQ4MNqOAxpF-WMA4Vn0_4OgkHftVtmC3P68M/s320/thrift+store+ring+back+bent.jpg" width="147" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
making it practically impossible to fit most fingers.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
No problem...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when you have the right tools and the right know-how.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Using my ring mandrel and my favorite hammer,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUE9AeQ3cb2UE2Wg51oWkVXN6aLl8znUyjid6pkywNCaaTshyHY-V9uooZWdDr4GXEQQHvgHLFaVrHU6m4e_z8E1Ifi-Qpgv_mgviVyCjXBNfzO0lwTHm0QDCYUcabRL8XzNZeHYYB-mY/s1600/thrift+store+ring+back+fixed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUE9AeQ3cb2UE2Wg51oWkVXN6aLl8znUyjid6pkywNCaaTshyHY-V9uooZWdDr4GXEQQHvgHLFaVrHU6m4e_z8E1Ifi-Qpgv_mgviVyCjXBNfzO0lwTHm0QDCYUcabRL8XzNZeHYYB-mY/s320/thrift+store+ring+back+fixed.JPG" width="158" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the shank was persuaded back in to wearable shape.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The other treasure that came home with me</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV7p6EoN2OORLcIBE7X3NBkIlMsGYt9mTnJmppfUYnD6szozy2VX6bgY8tR7g5sm4aNHC1Ecy3cX2SViaiRvAle6AR5VAfKFnh4a224lhDReWdQjpR8WJfYrAbV1GJpt1whyphenhyphenHLYSRzQlE/s1600/thrift+store+metal+vase.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV7p6EoN2OORLcIBE7X3NBkIlMsGYt9mTnJmppfUYnD6szozy2VX6bgY8tR7g5sm4aNHC1Ecy3cX2SViaiRvAle6AR5VAfKFnh4a224lhDReWdQjpR8WJfYrAbV1GJpt1whyphenhyphenHLYSRzQlE/s320/thrift+store+metal+vase.JPG" width="207" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is a brass vase with a beautiful patina.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bright and shiny is rarely appealing to me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I tend to gravitate to those older items </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that are faded, rusty and otherwise marred.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Those are the items that have history and a story to tell.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpuLASdZR-DJlIsgznjHyx9tfpc5P0krEIX4yyyXyOaxSO-x0W7om6e3ozv_aUHT_zwkeirV_v1P6VLMLyfuXGM_b3eCocuYI2Y6usmNq3NxdC8y-e2Qx7YAT8XmMi9wAMkVlfxbEUDYA/s1600/thrift+store+vase+w+flowers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpuLASdZR-DJlIsgznjHyx9tfpc5P0krEIX4yyyXyOaxSO-x0W7om6e3ozv_aUHT_zwkeirV_v1P6VLMLyfuXGM_b3eCocuYI2Y6usmNq3NxdC8y-e2Qx7YAT8XmMi9wAMkVlfxbEUDYA/s320/thrift+store+vase+w+flowers.JPG" width="174" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Those are the items that speak to my soul.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Also...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
priced at 50¢, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this item spoke to my frugality.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Paired with Narcissus from my front yard,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this vase is perfect.</div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17611823171587645020noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674121334433369062.post-56548291733910305112017-03-13T22:42:00.000-07:002017-03-14T07:32:17.775-07:00A Little Bit Ranty Today<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">feeling
a bit ranty today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sunday
was spent with two of my siblings, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">visiting
a charming town that’s filled with antique stores, galleries and restaurants.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It
was a lovely day…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">except for the part of the afternoon </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">when I allowed myself to
feel irritated </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">by an exchange I overheard in one of the shops.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This
particular shop was filled with lots of wonderful, handcrafted items, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">some by
local artists whose work I recognized. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We were in the shop for around 25
minutes, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">and one of the salespersons kept busy with another customer for the
entire time. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I was impressed with the employee’s professional dedication </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">as she
worked with a customer </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">who appeared to be interested in making a purchase </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">but was seized
with indecisiveness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
employee and customer were by the checkout area </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">when my sister was making her purchase, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">and I watched as different pieces of original, framed art </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">were hung on the wall
for the customer’s consideration. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">She was clearly interested in one of the
pieces </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">and asked if there was any </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">‘wiggle room’ </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">with the price.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">That’s
when my internal voice said, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Oh, please. Really?!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Moments
like this can bring out my judgmental side, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">and I freely admit to assessing the
Prada baby stroller she was pushing, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">tricked out with a nice assortment of
accessories </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">and the lovely clothing she was wearing. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I know, I know….</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’m making
assumptions, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">but this woman did not present a picture </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">of someone living a life
of financial struggle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I
am acquainted with quite a few people </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">who dedicate their lives to creative pursuits. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">While I can’t speak to other’s motivations, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I feel like I’m wired to create. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’m
a maker. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The financial rewards are limited, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">and I appreciate that is the trade-off </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">for
the powerful satisfaction I can feel </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">when my hands take raw materials and turn
them into jewelry </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">or when I translate an emotion into a painting. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Decades
of learning, exploring, failing and growing </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">go into each piece that I create. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Assigning a price to each of those pieces is quite humbling; </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">it is done very
thoughtfully. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In most retail settings, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">the artist gets 50% of the
selling price. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">That percentage will sometimes be 40% </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">when the arrangement is by
consignment. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I know they exist, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">but I do not personally know any artist </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">who is
getting rich off of his or her art. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">My guess is that most of them would say
that’s fine, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">but I would also guess </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">that most of them want to do more than just
barely survive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I
have no doubt </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">that the artist whose paintings were being considered yesterday </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">worked
hard to create the pieces that were matted and framed. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I know that the store
owners and employees </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">were working hard </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">to create a wonderfully curated
selection of items </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">in a beautiful setting. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When someone asks if there’s ‘wiggle
room’ in the price, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">that wiggle means less money for the artist or the shop, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">or
both. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I could feel a twitch developing in my left eye </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">as I fought the urge to turn
to the customer and say, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Just pay the price, already!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But....</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I
do know how to behave in public.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I remained quiet until we left the shop, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">and I
turned to my sister and said, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Oh, please! Really?!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17611823171587645020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674121334433369062.post-77421012293932140102017-03-02T14:20:00.000-08:002017-03-02T18:38:12.302-08:00Lansdowne Theater Project Part I<div style="text-align: center;">
Before moving to our current home,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my family lived in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I enjoyed living there </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and continue to have a fondness for the community.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There is a wonderful diversity among the residents, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and many are actively engaged in local politics </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as well as community activities and events.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
During our 9 years in Lansdowne,<br />
I did the design for Sycamore Park</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYoB1md2T-_EqL8KoeTneaCuy1KoQVx1e-UmZ6sOIkoAIbFORKOxUNBx-3nirhlOM7MvlgfUWiPFOrU4rRqS-kuQ2Q57Ulxkpgbv8HNdPA6WwgKVAuSUqiWboxyRNwBbljBARQqim77Zg/s1600/lansdowne+sycamore+park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYoB1md2T-_EqL8KoeTneaCuy1KoQVx1e-UmZ6sOIkoAIbFORKOxUNBx-3nirhlOM7MvlgfUWiPFOrU4rRqS-kuQ2Q57Ulxkpgbv8HNdPA6WwgKVAuSUqiWboxyRNwBbljBARQqim77Zg/s320/lansdowne+sycamore+park.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when the Borough secured the property to</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
protect one of the oldest trees, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
estimated to date to the mid 1600's, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in Pennsylvania.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My family also took part in projects </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that improved the site designs </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
of the Borough library </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and two war memorials that honor local veterans.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When you get involved in your community, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you tend to meet some really wonderful people,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and we met the Schultz family, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Matt and Judie and their daughter Helen.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A lifelong resident, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Matt is committed to improving the community</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and is the driving force behind the </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
renovation of<br />
the Lansdowne Theater.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEt457rtPgx-zGCHjdYPdpCk0Qzh8B_B-tKDZDe__S34wUGQ9NfJmMVwksKRvRHA-AauG-lBfgJVYBVvk-g1Kbx9Eq-WHihoSPeG63GERtGhMBt-lWgn0Ml4al-pEJ41TL-RQ9evKbbfQ/s1600/lansdowne+theater+crowdshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEt457rtPgx-zGCHjdYPdpCk0Qzh8B_B-tKDZDe__S34wUGQ9NfJmMVwksKRvRHA-AauG-lBfgJVYBVvk-g1Kbx9Eq-WHihoSPeG63GERtGhMBt-lWgn0Ml4al-pEJ41TL-RQ9evKbbfQ/s320/lansdowne+theater+crowdshot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>photo by Brian Mengini</i></span><br />
As Chief Executive Officer of the</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Historic Lansdowne Theater Corporation,<br />
Matt has been using his organizational talents<br />
to bring this jewel of a building back to life.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>To learn more about this exciting project, </i><br />
<i>please visit the </i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.lansdownetheater.org/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Historic Lansdowne Theater Corporation</span></a></i><br />
<i>website.</i><br />
<br />
Several months ago,<br />
Matt suggested a possible collaborative effort.<br />
Would I consider creating original artwork<br />
that might hopefully support and promote<br />
the ongoing restoration of the<br />
Lansdowne Theater?<br />
<br />
My response...<br />
"Let me think about it."<br />
I'm aware of my strengths,<br />
and maybe more significantly,<br />
of my weaknesses.<br />
I didn't want to commit to a project<br />
unless I thought I could do proper justice to the mission.<br />
<br />
Matt let me have access to the theater</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLW4KX4efJHZ39HF44KnXvSkoTg20GkSjDIIG8SSEqpbvJ9fmqQBgOx3BRGoCpOw3m732jkzElOkkc93nAyqVCgBbu9PYc66ks_jz8yJzTiIDTETsfggG0NxLKE0Y28prG_1ft0lw3MzU/s1600/Lansdowne+theater+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLW4KX4efJHZ39HF44KnXvSkoTg20GkSjDIIG8SSEqpbvJ9fmqQBgOx3BRGoCpOw3m732jkzElOkkc93nAyqVCgBbu9PYc66ks_jz8yJzTiIDTETsfggG0NxLKE0Y28prG_1ft0lw3MzU/s320/Lansdowne+theater+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so I could gather images</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLavaT1l3Y_hdwFpgAJLuaHJMB5aFY5khVAL0pAdV1pOPtmE266iQiuQPcWjIg7lZe2AgxzgXoPZ6QtnEyeYQXdLk0bwE1XdN0fM4NFJ27106C5C6YuCYSSa-qg6tu8JeoVtnilVZPWb8/s1600/lansdowne+theater+side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLavaT1l3Y_hdwFpgAJLuaHJMB5aFY5khVAL0pAdV1pOPtmE266iQiuQPcWjIg7lZe2AgxzgXoPZ6QtnEyeYQXdLk0bwE1XdN0fM4NFJ27106C5C6YuCYSSa-qg6tu8JeoVtnilVZPWb8/s320/lansdowne+theater+side.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that would hopefully provide the necessary inspiration.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
During my visit,<br />
I took part in one of the fundraising efforts</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYV3XL7xKA_mzdfWfwsStBA7ysBWSGC6zmIcSYk4QGYP1sifAc9x3w0wQfp-PVGKktYHwOOJrITK0sBXVAskq2kXzIEwM3tV1O2MK-GRPpatCtUwVDRrhqZeYkoMSeS09B5ovT3T8E-CM/s1600/lansdowne+theater+marquee+make+art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYV3XL7xKA_mzdfWfwsStBA7ysBWSGC6zmIcSYk4QGYP1sifAc9x3w0wQfp-PVGKktYHwOOJrITK0sBXVAskq2kXzIEwM3tV1O2MK-GRPpatCtUwVDRrhqZeYkoMSeS09B5ovT3T8E-CM/s320/lansdowne+theater+marquee+make+art.jpg" width="184" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and made a donation </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to have a message installed on the theater's marquee.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My message, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'MAKE ART',</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
went up shortly after my photo gathering visit.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My initial sketches and painting studies </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
left me underwhelmed </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as I struggled to find the right note.<br />
I found myself thinking of the beautiful work by local artist,<br />
<a href="http://www.nancybarch.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Nancy Barch</span></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHyLCUxk5owydGccB4rOqh9gNjX2znjVPNfrLSbJjPI8OIxIRf9AIO0v7yJjbTF0YMxbgodg_DTGDJojpKc4g6irecels5iW_KAqyAS-hvShBVGtydXnTrZegWMlIcpeBvmK6dkGFuox4/s1600/nancy+barch+art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHyLCUxk5owydGccB4rOqh9gNjX2znjVPNfrLSbJjPI8OIxIRf9AIO0v7yJjbTF0YMxbgodg_DTGDJojpKc4g6irecels5iW_KAqyAS-hvShBVGtydXnTrZegWMlIcpeBvmK6dkGFuox4/s320/nancy+barch+art.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Liberty 1 by Nancy Barch</i></span><br />
and thought some of the techniques she has developed<br />
might work nicely for my project.<br />
As I reviewed Nancy's work online,<br />
I realized she was offering a workshop at</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://yellowsprings.org/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Historic Yellow Springs</span></a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Perfect timing....<br />
and what an opportunity<br />
to learn from a mixed media/collage master!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After the two days of the workshop, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I now know a wide variety of techniques</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that can be applied to the Lansdowne Theater project.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVnFY9kk1Mu9TDRNr3a2WSexPAW0JdZ9m3BOz4hD6hx2o_QksOj1knTHCUfs0N-3C0qa0I1Ffy1TbbDHq73923YhffCMJmKAHtOr_v4NVzNo6UvDwLYeMxyW24ilW1HM55mhHDqPWHBF8/s1600/lansdowne+theater+project+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVnFY9kk1Mu9TDRNr3a2WSexPAW0JdZ9m3BOz4hD6hx2o_QksOj1knTHCUfs0N-3C0qa0I1Ffy1TbbDHq73923YhffCMJmKAHtOr_v4NVzNo6UvDwLYeMxyW24ilW1HM55mhHDqPWHBF8/s320/lansdowne+theater+project+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Feeling confident that I've found the right note,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have numerous pieces in progress,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
using images from my photo shooting visit</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and of my</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'MAKE ART'</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
marquee message.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Part II of this project to come soon.<br />
<br />
<i>Visit <a href="http://www.nancybarch.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Nancy Barch's web site</span></a> to find information about upcoming workshops.</i><br />
<br /></div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17611823171587645020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674121334433369062.post-67348969223121222082017-02-13T19:00:00.000-08:002017-02-14T05:39:49.626-08:00Adventures With Cold Wax<div style="text-align: center;">
Several years ago,<br />
I took part in a two day encaustic workshop at a local art center.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I loved working with melted wax and pigments,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
adding layer after layer</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for an eventual painterly image that had a<br />
luminous, ethereal appearance.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been tempted to further explore encaustics in my home studio,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but that temptation has been overruled by my concern </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
about setting up a dedicated workspace with the proper ventilation.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then I started hearing about cold wax.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I began searching for any information I could find about </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
how to paint with cold wax and </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
decided that I should sign up for a workshop.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Easier thought than done.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I found classes that were offered in </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
North Carolina, Wisconsin, New Mexico, Ireland, Italy and France.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All lovely locations...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and all completely out of my humble reach.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And then I came across the work of </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lindabentonmccloskey.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Linda Benton McCloskey</span></a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I <i style="font-weight: bold;">love </i>her work!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUgEMtkF5prCtgpBI8lmAIEH2nGmQTbWO5gZZvqeKkMoDURSi0S9WskHrhEvdbiuaLM9ZKCbN5EPfhBXGMs33zDN5EDWaV_k0jqjljkSXAaKuZCTiILhD9a6Myhmh1bPNHNNcB8zTzjU/s1600/painting+by+linda+mccloskey+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUgEMtkF5prCtgpBI8lmAIEH2nGmQTbWO5gZZvqeKkMoDURSi0S9WskHrhEvdbiuaLM9ZKCbN5EPfhBXGMs33zDN5EDWaV_k0jqjljkSXAaKuZCTiILhD9a6Myhmh1bPNHNNcB8zTzjU/s320/painting+by+linda+mccloskey+3.jpg" width="314" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>'Moon Dance' by Linda Benton McCloskey</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Linda's abstract paintings have ranges of color that speak to my creative soul...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQloa-VVIt7h7gneR_B_7xVDQzauySDVphf3TGzEovVMzQ2ImNmPxU3yxo_-Ewdc5v4AZ_m65oIxxY-8L6kQsqecn5SWt-yhc8J1_3g18TV9zg4Jh7Tp0bmkfkhfX8HQU0BZmeL_FRGY/s1600/painting+by+linda+mccloskey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihQloa-VVIt7h7gneR_B_7xVDQzauySDVphf3TGzEovVMzQ2ImNmPxU3yxo_-Ewdc5v4AZ_m65oIxxY-8L6kQsqecn5SWt-yhc8J1_3g18TV9zg4Jh7Tp0bmkfkhfX8HQU0BZmeL_FRGY/s320/painting+by+linda+mccloskey.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>'Heavens Above' by Linda Benton McCloskey</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and richly textured surfaces that draw me in and make me want to stay.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7o0sQdABCYUVouzJvc5Eh_YFg6ekUAR7TGs5aRlNYebQP8Y_BpCiQ51wcgC-PbFg5M2T99pvRBHPS9LoD7uNAj-OjXDSFxZaH0_wgyauOQyEDEqvzD66eEmZvyGmQq0j_QxRICLS9_s/s1600/painting+by+linda+mccloskey+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7o0sQdABCYUVouzJvc5Eh_YFg6ekUAR7TGs5aRlNYebQP8Y_BpCiQ51wcgC-PbFg5M2T99pvRBHPS9LoD7uNAj-OjXDSFxZaH0_wgyauOQyEDEqvzD66eEmZvyGmQq0j_QxRICLS9_s/s320/painting+by+linda+mccloskey+2.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>'Sweet Grass' by Linda Benton McCloskey</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How wonderful to find out that Linda also lives in Pennsylvania.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How not so wonderful that her studio is in Harrisburg,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
around 110 miles away from me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I found out that Linda sometimes offers a workshop at one of the art centers local to me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I spent almost two years being disappointed that I couldn't make my schedule work with the several offerings only 20 minutes from my house.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I saw that Linda was offering another workshop.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This one was going to be at <a href="https://millworksharrisburg.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Millworks</span></a>, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
where her studio is located....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
yes,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in Harrisburg.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I decided that I had thought about cold wax long enough.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was time to commit to learning.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in Harrisburg.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for the three days of the workshop,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I drove back and forth</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
from my Delaware County home to Harrisburg,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and it was totally worth it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Linda was generous with her knowledge</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXetnTBM-uWXQCK4bwZ8JsbHSvH5pxQaST-vcOu3KNoR7jM4yYGPvBDQwCW2fIEYpk9H7ufhWeIOxKFDejDj9tRNluSkNkgWhL9ps9HQlvEoANH7OyiKRBcbIfryO7XQrRHV-EAl_ma-U/s1600/painting+cold+wax11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXetnTBM-uWXQCK4bwZ8JsbHSvH5pxQaST-vcOu3KNoR7jM4yYGPvBDQwCW2fIEYpk9H7ufhWeIOxKFDejDj9tRNluSkNkgWhL9ps9HQlvEoANH7OyiKRBcbIfryO7XQrRHV-EAl_ma-U/s320/painting+cold+wax11.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and taught the four of us who signed up,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a wide variety of techniques that I would have struggled to figure out on my own.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was valuable to be part of a small group,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
watching how the others took the same information </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and interpreted it with their unique perspectives.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYoTnJ7CawRp8UL2IeqHu_BXRzWoeMNM-ljV1i-0mTHo93_3qN28-Xx7I3ONoangCEVmaUlJFaNGdemfTY2zXKynpbsWXjFNJ78tYZ4Tw6XfjE8iWBxgJkUlng_yvpXQ_NedfMZ-18KKo/s1600/painting+cold+wax12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYoTnJ7CawRp8UL2IeqHu_BXRzWoeMNM-ljV1i-0mTHo93_3qN28-Xx7I3ONoangCEVmaUlJFaNGdemfTY2zXKynpbsWXjFNJ78tYZ4Tw6XfjE8iWBxgJkUlng_yvpXQ_NedfMZ-18KKo/s320/painting+cold+wax12.jpg" width="156" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My own perspective gravitated towards interpretations of landscapes,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMY1WJQEdYaa8D8KRkBpFY8MxPkRww7hknbKs31AJA9vm3Yx5SJLyhJUNbQ1iUY4NDbsNIlyWoZ_3cBJq7L-MQFg8eQET3VZe6BL163hUeA1jJwSjsLEe7ySVybJ7Hck6kN71CwBl_V18/s1600/painting+cold+wax10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMY1WJQEdYaa8D8KRkBpFY8MxPkRww7hknbKs31AJA9vm3Yx5SJLyhJUNbQ1iUY4NDbsNIlyWoZ_3cBJq7L-MQFg8eQET3VZe6BL163hUeA1jJwSjsLEe7ySVybJ7Hck6kN71CwBl_V18/s320/painting+cold+wax10.JPG" width="310" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
both real and imagined.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsrk7CHytZm5XWB8EeQdBN-kw1RrOweHi5xf5YSbhlF5AJpfnzQZbK_dcPunJQqiGlzGYgXSdl6pxIgi8cKF7pnfBZwaiZj9Vl7jhInH_dU75VjDjgmFqJs9zWFle1bVZmxmlGob9ZBy4/s1600/painting+cold+wax+tree+line.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsrk7CHytZm5XWB8EeQdBN-kw1RrOweHi5xf5YSbhlF5AJpfnzQZbK_dcPunJQqiGlzGYgXSdl6pxIgi8cKF7pnfBZwaiZj9Vl7jhInH_dU75VjDjgmFqJs9zWFle1bVZmxmlGob9ZBy4/s320/painting+cold+wax+tree+line.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Most of my work was done with a palette knife, a brayer and a dough scraper</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdJ25qOmD1LxVwkKnxBzVQjr7LrF4fDaFuxcxPdfaeX1AgZkdR7NM4q9NAzxjrVQtOg_5Y6CjDEGy3Cc-bMZBvXL9zzVX62gHelYhMIsW1Jjf9vQmjpG8K8U9aI4J57zepiqNc_kURAo/s1600/painting+cold+wax+golden+abstract+landscape.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdJ25qOmD1LxVwkKnxBzVQjr7LrF4fDaFuxcxPdfaeX1AgZkdR7NM4q9NAzxjrVQtOg_5Y6CjDEGy3Cc-bMZBvXL9zzVX62gHelYhMIsW1Jjf9vQmjpG8K8U9aI4J57zepiqNc_kURAo/s320/painting+cold+wax+golden+abstract+landscape.JPG" width="313" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
which helped push me towards a more abstracted vision of my message.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's sometimes a challenge to maintain the energy and creativity</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
found in a workshop setting.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Being under the tutelage of a </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
respected and accomplished artist like Linda</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and in the presence of others who are also driven to expand their skills,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
helped to keep me focused and determined.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The workshop was just over one week ago</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2aJd72D2IMrqnxczfoYzQ5bUS6eBwIHPQHrNGvmSycgifsjMqytqskX3Lw0Ghqm4XJqNl6_r2S9JlJWPAQvoxN9wLMPnppKEiJQwLRomjtZdUqnxuyI0ptWP99WwMux3s51ou3dvwDk/s1600/painting+cold+wax+winter+landscape.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2aJd72D2IMrqnxczfoYzQ5bUS6eBwIHPQHrNGvmSycgifsjMqytqskX3Lw0Ghqm4XJqNl6_r2S9JlJWPAQvoxN9wLMPnppKEiJQwLRomjtZdUqnxuyI0ptWP99WwMux3s51ou3dvwDk/s320/painting+cold+wax+winter+landscape.JPG" width="314" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and I'm continuing to work with my new set of cold wax skills,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiehvRpv36c4eTcDNFHU_r5mBdQBnOOOcP1RbF6NN8i2dqVt64QXA9aLnzWNPK81XWCWmjhs0SSCwXjX9m8OXw-A3gyYY9MHXdR_chv4BdYLuz4DyosP3S2xNe3DxXb1dOqg7AEuFEdsrY/s1600/painting+cold+wax+field.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiehvRpv36c4eTcDNFHU_r5mBdQBnOOOcP1RbF6NN8i2dqVt64QXA9aLnzWNPK81XWCWmjhs0SSCwXjX9m8OXw-A3gyYY9MHXdR_chv4BdYLuz4DyosP3S2xNe3DxXb1dOqg7AEuFEdsrY/s320/painting+cold+wax+field.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm happy that I'm not driving back to Harrisburg.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you're ever in Harrisburg,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
consider checking out</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://millworksharrisburg.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Millworks</span></a>,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a beautiful, historic building recently renovated</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and now home to a collection of over thirty artist studios and </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a wonderful restaurant with an on-site brewery.</div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17611823171587645020noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674121334433369062.post-82606581631352015652017-01-26T09:44:00.001-08:002017-01-26T16:59:45.741-08:00New Pendant<div style="text-align: center;">
Planning out projects at my workbench, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I thought about a pendant that I made last year.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPY6awa-TRnR4WpzJlOjHrHtVRLQeV91GQYFfT8alZnhywKCeWhsnNj49nZoGdKvwxqZskC_FBQjUps1NtWW3VQ2yha2uTCxDe7Yt1L83OB30cZxqEaeeojQk1M_uZ38izyboCrJX1pEE/s1600/jewelry+textured+discs+necklace+front.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPY6awa-TRnR4WpzJlOjHrHtVRLQeV91GQYFfT8alZnhywKCeWhsnNj49nZoGdKvwxqZskC_FBQjUps1NtWW3VQ2yha2uTCxDe7Yt1L83OB30cZxqEaeeojQk1M_uZ38izyboCrJX1pEE/s320/jewelry+textured+discs+necklace+front.JPG" width="134" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After practicing a texture on several copper discs, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I soldered some on to a back plate of etched nickel, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
creating a pendant.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Considering the ongoing, internal conversation that I have </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
about establishing a recognizable identity, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I thought maybe this texture is something that I should revisit and expand.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The initial pendant was made with discs that I cut at 7/8" diameter.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My new project began with a 2" diameter disc.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With a workbench that sadly does not include a hydraulic press,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I began the process of shaping the 2" flat disc into a dome </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with repeated annealings and a succession of dapping punches. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The domed disc was then textured, filed and sanded.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYzcj-9wqiqjs8AwiZeWv-wxPfJU_hg92BLNCms7ZHyonmJXpXQTtNksOqoLq7EyWpSY_C4TIRW-W5OEABpBqQD5YiUSHrzDiGqD7zb7dsEnoTfXl5B9M9nodXdvXx2tA3Ysz3H0pKyRA/s1600/jewelry+dome+and+etching.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYzcj-9wqiqjs8AwiZeWv-wxPfJU_hg92BLNCms7ZHyonmJXpXQTtNksOqoLq7EyWpSY_C4TIRW-W5OEABpBqQD5YiUSHrzDiGqD7zb7dsEnoTfXl5B9M9nodXdvXx2tA3Ysz3H0pKyRA/s320/jewelry+dome+and+etching.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As with the initial pendant,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I planned to have a back plate for the dome.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wanting to keep the back plate flat for the eventual soldering,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I chose to etch some 2" diameter discs.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In spite of working hard to make sure that I had two flat surfaces for flush contact,</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
it took four visits to the soldering bench to get the job done.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
ugh!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Finally</i>...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with the soldering completed,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUJ84gsjfD-cjauKAGxWL7kh5Iwl3Uihvnhz7x3f1D74mgQqjgqlhV5rzPn5dhkYHX_qVLw7Z9JRQw_kPEqbd5glVar_jZFfj4dZqqzkhvZqgDgp9BCpLJaFjfeNsRpsgxioBaic1eTY/s1600/jewelry+dome+soldering+finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUJ84gsjfD-cjauKAGxWL7kh5Iwl3Uihvnhz7x3f1D74mgQqjgqlhV5rzPn5dhkYHX_qVLw7Z9JRQw_kPEqbd5glVar_jZFfj4dZqqzkhvZqgDgp9BCpLJaFjfeNsRpsgxioBaic1eTY/s320/jewelry+dome+soldering+finished.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the excess of the back plate was cut off</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and the edge was filed and sanded.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
A simple bail was soldered on to the back,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and...</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
the pendant is completed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Time to make complementary earrings.</div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17611823171587645020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674121334433369062.post-56680833132585084182016-12-29T19:42:00.000-08:002016-12-30T11:02:44.939-08:00Repurposed Sweaters<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm not sure why....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but years ago, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I began to collect wool sweaters.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There was a vague idea that I would transform them<br />
into something else,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but I had no clear plan when I decided to begin this woolen odyssey.<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>I fear these could be the opening lines to a horrifying documentary on hoarding.</i></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Each sweater was felted by repeated cycles in the washing machine and dryer and then placed in a large storage tub.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Eventually, two storage tubs were filled with sweaters,<br />
waiting for a plan.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I considered making mittens,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but then thought, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Ugh...opposable thumbs.<br />
Too much cutting and sewing maneuvering."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes...I can be lazy and impatient with some of my creative endeavors.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I briefly considered making hats,<br />
but having previously been down that path using fleece,<br />
I kept pushing that idea to the back of the line.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
helping out at <a href="http://www.sweetmabel.com/"><span style="color: #990000;">Sweet Mabel</span></a> a few weeks ago,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I realized what the plan would be.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Beth Warren,<br />
multi-talented mosaic and assemblage artist,<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/(https://www.facebook.com/BreakingTileMosaics/)"><span style="color: #990000;">(<i>https://www.facebook.com/BreakingTileMosaics/</i>)</span></a><br />
was wearing a wonderful scarf as she also worked at <a href="http://www.sweetmabel.com/"><span style="color: #990000;">Sweet Mabel</span></a>.<br />
After commenting how much I admired her scarf,<br />
Beth told me that she had handcrafted it from a variety of<br />
recycled sweaters.<br />
She had made and sold a number of scarves,<br />
but eventually ran out of her old sweater inventory,<br />
bringing the scarf making industry to a gentle conclusion.<br />
<br />
As we worked,<br />
I kept thinking about the sweaters<br />
that were accumulating back at my home.<br />
I could definitely handle the straight lines of a scarf<br />
and asked Beth<br />
if she would mind if I gave the recycled scarf thing a try.<br />
<br />
And so...<br />
the plan was ready to go.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhbCOOiaWUlna3IY4t1oFCswwwNBRKSrjmELCckV_tK7-GaHoBWgG9kWtht1ILnzDUwLFY1GRU3yx_c_AGUdhMIohksKO2DWjEK_GSWK5OqmCZIk_0HTxeeM9wV4Mpla5pUgyky8ehGI/s1600/sewing+recycle+sweaters+pile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhbCOOiaWUlna3IY4t1oFCswwwNBRKSrjmELCckV_tK7-GaHoBWgG9kWtht1ILnzDUwLFY1GRU3yx_c_AGUdhMIohksKO2DWjEK_GSWK5OqmCZIk_0HTxeeM9wV4Mpla5pUgyky8ehGI/s320/sewing+recycle+sweaters+pile.jpg" width="259" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes,<br />
I was busy getting ready for the holidays,<br />
but I made time to prep for my scarf making by cutting apart a selection of sweaters.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pieces of different sweaters were going to be sewn together<br />
with a blanket stitch along the edges.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not knowing how to do the blanket stitch...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9J0R4mtw7zM1KMr-ygA54GgvWUPz4ghBRi0Tl8L_3LZAUFatFVt83rfMtS9ubpM2nhBHJLEumMcF2rna_Odpcg2U2m609_nEZMTOxBHuEsL_IVvUAIfbamW4cCzXqKCn_fXUAz311DPA/s1600/sewing+recycle+sweaters+practice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9J0R4mtw7zM1KMr-ygA54GgvWUPz4ghBRi0Tl8L_3LZAUFatFVt83rfMtS9ubpM2nhBHJLEumMcF2rna_Odpcg2U2m609_nEZMTOxBHuEsL_IVvUAIfbamW4cCzXqKCn_fXUAz311DPA/s320/sewing+recycle+sweaters+practice.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I turned to YouTube.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After a few video tutorials and some practice stitching on a felted scrap,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was ready.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My sweater carcasses were cut into strips,</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
and the sewing began.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://cynthiamurraydesign.blogspot.com/2014/10/holy-grail-part-two.html"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Bertha</span></a>,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
modeling the first scarf...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBT-37sDd8ucRQjDe2jyK0-OdkReO4FSjIJyGuCus_y9p6VcrMtZsyrXgCUVdQ0Q2E6ZlOxwf4oeiZ6VC_aOSyTpvevK05h7KMUxKaFW1wrOfCZtkaQQ06uKbMb3U9e7rcx81YZQQyXY/s1600/sewing+recycle+sweaters+scarf+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBT-37sDd8ucRQjDe2jyK0-OdkReO4FSjIJyGuCus_y9p6VcrMtZsyrXgCUVdQ0Q2E6ZlOxwf4oeiZ6VC_aOSyTpvevK05h7KMUxKaFW1wrOfCZtkaQQ06uKbMb3U9e7rcx81YZQQyXY/s320/sewing+recycle+sweaters+scarf+1.jpg" width="104" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
which is now on its way to London.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
More scarves coming soon.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
An example of Beth's wonderful talent...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM5LHSWhbEfMwddrRgohk9weT22SH9apjp-MYjGJX-J0GaD9X-LJ_x87ESZHmBw0rDkPmnNE4LnihsAkMXx237EpimF9_MqWX326DptWyBeK-Sj6x4L7o-PSNvW91mMKfDAfqEXM-r_RI/s1600/narberth+mosaic+wall+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM5LHSWhbEfMwddrRgohk9weT22SH9apjp-MYjGJX-J0GaD9X-LJ_x87ESZHmBw0rDkPmnNE4LnihsAkMXx237EpimF9_MqWX326DptWyBeK-Sj6x4L7o-PSNvW91mMKfDAfqEXM-r_RI/s320/narberth+mosaic+wall+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: center;">the landmark mosaic wall on</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sweetmabelart.blogspot.com/p/open-studio.html">Sweet Mabel Studio</a></span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;">in Narberth, PA.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEkfEBD5hOmtzQMXoXWUlw4jQ7kRXuPeVMoYaC2bM2HcGEfzf6Wvx4JGX7cIsCEntY3yfxG-gJnzlW-W7AiIr8N1XnuWxf-2M-9ZEKc9Cn22UeSypxh-8HdvnzsQXGylaUQ2xhxL0V05Y/s1600/narberth+mosaic+wall+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEkfEBD5hOmtzQMXoXWUlw4jQ7kRXuPeVMoYaC2bM2HcGEfzf6Wvx4JGX7cIsCEntY3yfxG-gJnzlW-W7AiIr8N1XnuWxf-2M-9ZEKc9Cn22UeSypxh-8HdvnzsQXGylaUQ2xhxL0V05Y/s320/narberth+mosaic+wall+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's fabulous!</div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17611823171587645020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674121334433369062.post-29824543687728788982016-12-02T19:54:00.002-08:002016-12-24T07:58:32.367-08:00Handmade Holidays<div style="text-align: center;">
It's that time of year...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm finally able to take a breath </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
now that my creations are set loose in the </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
local world.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you are the type that appreciates unique, handmade gifts for family, friends and yourself,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
there are several wonderful options to shop local</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
if you happen to be local to me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I set up my jewelry display</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for the</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cacholidaysale.org/"><span style="color: red;">Wallingford Community Arts Center and Potters Guild</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cacholidaysale.org/"><span style="color: red;">Holiday Sale</span></a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMlZ2T7VbWIS7w5inUkQwLFXt_KqyA4BEr_NgPWvYT44LIYseGU02hcTP3LcjWyh-YN6mnU6DAhV01A40fdm57FNDkQx20Sq5hfpr_LIL8WjESrmmw_N7EZeyF69cz5NLvzBbYxKzlp7k/s1600/jewelry+display+CAC+Holiday+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMlZ2T7VbWIS7w5inUkQwLFXt_KqyA4BEr_NgPWvYT44LIYseGU02hcTP3LcjWyh-YN6mnU6DAhV01A40fdm57FNDkQx20Sq5hfpr_LIL8WjESrmmw_N7EZeyF69cz5NLvzBbYxKzlp7k/s320/jewelry+display+CAC+Holiday+2016.jpg" width="201" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The show is open through December 10.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My jewelry is also featured...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSfrGuDG7BrS1F-PXZ59I1SEknWN8WlXTSsDZ9USNNbPOTrgfoLUvaRUA6EwL9zUpIvx_k8kX7u1z9mof78d75UR4AuGEgksTA3mqdJvwHHZpgEaUAZxiqwL1V1mDh_BYV4Y2kvF_aos/s1600/woodmere+art+museum+wintertime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjSfrGuDG7BrS1F-PXZ59I1SEknWN8WlXTSsDZ9USNNbPOTrgfoLUvaRUA6EwL9zUpIvx_k8kX7u1z9mof78d75UR4AuGEgksTA3mqdJvwHHZpgEaUAZxiqwL1V1mDh_BYV4Y2kvF_aos/s320/woodmere+art+museum+wintertime.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in the Holiday Store at</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://woodmereartmuseum.org/"><span style="color: red;">Woodmere Art Museum</span></a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Musem Gift Shop is open year round, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but the Holiday Store is open until it reverts back to an art gallery on January 1.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sweet Mabel's annual show,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.sweetmabel.com/events.html"><span style="color: red;">Art Under $100</span></a>,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
will stay open through the end of December.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijEToyvPhXPWjq4lkeJTubr2rvveVl4HbJZ4qN89CTzOERkwbH1B14S5G6ZAbZ0jbFYMjbVgsonGk2_RdsSLnD4nN3kmTCaLjwT0XAtc8dxgNNGNNk1iHGyY1bzqNPlv7beTp8fdDaWKQ/s1600/paintings+smalls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijEToyvPhXPWjq4lkeJTubr2rvveVl4HbJZ4qN89CTzOERkwbH1B14S5G6ZAbZ0jbFYMjbVgsonGk2_RdsSLnD4nN3kmTCaLjwT0XAtc8dxgNNGNNk1iHGyY1bzqNPlv7beTp8fdDaWKQ/s320/paintings+smalls.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My contribution to the show include these small oils.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Other paintings are on display</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
in a </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://swarthmorearts.org/"><span style="color: red;">Swarthmore Friends of the Arts Exhibit</span></a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeH4U3h75erTIdv9og5rFC-bbEvtP5LhL2OSKuW6SeKFMLMXCrha6JOdxVcSVYjjPSNLswmXXIRFkC2wXffV988opGgMtHsYUXKPIUKnffM3hYL5Yi81iZNtMy2jnWMHnsVNIC6UrzOSU/s1600/painting+Flowers+in+Jar+18+x+18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeH4U3h75erTIdv9og5rFC-bbEvtP5LhL2OSKuW6SeKFMLMXCrha6JOdxVcSVYjjPSNLswmXXIRFkC2wXffV988opGgMtHsYUXKPIUKnffM3hYL5Yi81iZNtMy2jnWMHnsVNIC6UrzOSU/s320/painting+Flowers+in+Jar+18+x+18.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
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The display will remain hanging through January 2, 2017.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you don't live near me,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
there are probably wonderful options to support </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
local artists and local businesses </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
in most communities.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5QMD4Zlqo3Jkms1m_iowXeirCrLZjUf-pwNhJ4DubrGmqUvAy0sySDZXFn7vasIixrJmokhhlEZvSgeuHRTlxLUrn2y1OOGHwk8lBkVUZrY7HeNcxOJzsoaRl6z9CSz6lqL0WVBCESTM/s1600/shop+local.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5QMD4Zlqo3Jkms1m_iowXeirCrLZjUf-pwNhJ4DubrGmqUvAy0sySDZXFn7vasIixrJmokhhlEZvSgeuHRTlxLUrn2y1OOGHwk8lBkVUZrY7HeNcxOJzsoaRl6z9CSz6lqL0WVBCESTM/s320/shop+local.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Happy Handmade Holidays!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17611823171587645020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674121334433369062.post-41061885357256517342016-11-20T20:56:00.000-08:002016-12-21T06:10:12.280-08:00New Bangles With Dangles<div style="text-align: center;">
Preparing for a couple of upcoming holiday shows has me busy at my workbench,<br />
building up my inventory.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In addition to the cuffs that I recently made,<br />
a request came in for more bangles.<br />
Part of my stash of recycled copper wire was pulled out for the job.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9QGbzi31PvLRCdT85GW2L1Bjqbyz0srn3ioybHlZZpD8TJ-F00yDtZy1N45mPbflNcRsJL-wxat7ddGLZTIZQTOQcZPCB8Tfvvi5vVCvyNC8-8Dg1yNNyF6KsQNm1GBibpzw_HFrsXI/s1600/jewelry+bangles+progress+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9QGbzi31PvLRCdT85GW2L1Bjqbyz0srn3ioybHlZZpD8TJ-F00yDtZy1N45mPbflNcRsJL-wxat7ddGLZTIZQTOQcZPCB8Tfvvi5vVCvyNC8-8Dg1yNNyF6KsQNm1GBibpzw_HFrsXI/s320/jewelry+bangles+progress+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Most of the wire used for the bangles is a pretty hefty 10 gauge.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At that thickness, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have a difficult time manipulating the wire into shapes </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
other than large circles or straight links....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
perfect for bangles.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Each bangle has a wire wrapped briolette dangle of amethyst, amazonite or moonstone.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Once the dangles were attached,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I decided that the brightness of the copper was just way too bright,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so the liver of sulfur </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(or sulphur)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
came out.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Those who make jewelry will probably know that a can of liver of sulfur </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
might last for the length of ones' career....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
unless moisture invades.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I had one of those cans of liver of sulfur for years </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and was always very careful to tightly secure the lid </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
after very carefully removing a chip of the sulfur.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This level of carefulness worked well </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
until it didn't.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNv6Rj9Z83c1Gf9bYeIEeiKfaquzx2igRZUPp7lKLhs9GhI4WvnLEjMOPgjC0gFsmoLxN0Kdka830VnUGkb0UKcBKhLVz4AMiwKBonyLteIvYV8IxavYbN3GduCaU4kIx_21SQcYoCSU/s1600/jewelry+bangles+progress+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNv6Rj9Z83c1Gf9bYeIEeiKfaquzx2igRZUPp7lKLhs9GhI4WvnLEjMOPgjC0gFsmoLxN0Kdka830VnUGkb0UKcBKhLVz4AMiwKBonyLteIvYV8IxavYbN3GduCaU4kIx_21SQcYoCSU/s320/jewelry+bangles+progress+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When I prepared to treat some pieces of jewelry a few years ago,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I opened the can of sulfur and immediately saw that it had gone bad.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In spite of precautions that I had taken,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I found myself with a can of useless, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
somewhat smelly, rocks.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I immediately ordered more liver of sulfur.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Instead of a can,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I received a small, plastic container with a red lid.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I removed enough of the sulfur to treat a collection of jewelry pieces, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
replaced the red lid </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and put the plastic container away.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A week later,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I prepared to treat some more jewelry </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and found that this second container had gone bad as well.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This second disappointment luckily coincided with</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
BeadFest being in town.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I put liver of sulfur on my shopping list of supplies</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and chose to buy the gel form.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've now had this container for several years with no problems </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
other than the inherent stinkiness.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The copper bangles turned to the expected blackness.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sulfur success!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MjlPXH5deNN5mykxgzP3M_O6LBh2esqZSWTH5NzAVvHrg8WNOghYL7u6kNTI6WNQ17uauQo880exw9UuFjm_IwZwd1TwNPeBXZSW5U0nHnCGT5YNooJ9Pin2CmNQqxDtS7tt_gM2Sr8/s1600/jewelry+bangles+completed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MjlPXH5deNN5mykxgzP3M_O6LBh2esqZSWTH5NzAVvHrg8WNOghYL7u6kNTI6WNQ17uauQo880exw9UuFjm_IwZwd1TwNPeBXZSW5U0nHnCGT5YNooJ9Pin2CmNQqxDtS7tt_gM2Sr8/s320/jewelry+bangles+completed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After wiping the bangles with a soft cotton rag,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
they were cleaned with a fine grit sanding block.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Much improved, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and my Bangles with Dangles are ready for the holidays.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17611823171587645020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674121334433369062.post-25513969997839203692016-11-14T17:23:00.000-08:002016-11-14T21:00:01.492-08:00Cuff Happy<div style="text-align: center;">
After taking a long break from making cuffs,<br />
I got a request for more cuffs.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh, the peculiar nature of things.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A few years ago,<br />
I had discovered the techniques of fold forming<br />
and was almost giddy with delight as I powered my way through the forming and shaping<br />
of brass, bronze and copper cuffs.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Then....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
not much happened.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While my cuffs generated a healthy amount of interest,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
they did not generate a healthy number of sales.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cuffs can be tricky.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They either fit well or they do not fit at all</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
which can make them a hard sell.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While I felt pride in the work I was doing,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I just couldn't justify keeping my focus on something that was not helping me to make money.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This may be another exercise in frustration,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but it's kind of fun getting back to the aggressive hammering required for fold forming.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I cut some blanks from a sheet of brass....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3x3qVfpUGfeDRsva5O0LagF7AZiRYaQhbW1CANJTE7G40VhfBECHJpkr3_iga6YkmDIoXPH8HJRH3zMkKpQphJp8V-DEEtjDnayf0crnQyyjJEhMZcb3lkWu1suq4bCFQtX22yAVGXQw/s1600/jewelry+brass+cuff+start.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3x3qVfpUGfeDRsva5O0LagF7AZiRYaQhbW1CANJTE7G40VhfBECHJpkr3_iga6YkmDIoXPH8HJRH3zMkKpQphJp8V-DEEtjDnayf0crnQyyjJEhMZcb3lkWu1suq4bCFQtX22yAVGXQw/s320/jewelry+brass+cuff+start.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
annealed and began folding and forming.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The 18 gauge brass that I used hardened quickly,</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
so I had to anneal numerous times.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Even with the repeated annealing,</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
the brass was a bear to manipulate.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I began shaping with a sinusoidal stake,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and was not able to get too far beyond that beginning.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-pqhzQLurspZdyrco6p4p0G3CjPeux7rh_snPc0i4IQGNCzrXft8RBcR7gpvlxmch9U_KEkB2LGBYZtnR5t742-5qZ01gWuxQ3L88MRnD7Fa6VruddipwkpcVBd0H5egB6NSPSAzhZE/s1600/jewelry+brass+cuff+finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-pqhzQLurspZdyrco6p4p0G3CjPeux7rh_snPc0i4IQGNCzrXft8RBcR7gpvlxmch9U_KEkB2LGBYZtnR5t742-5qZ01gWuxQ3L88MRnD7Fa6VruddipwkpcVBd0H5egB6NSPSAzhZE/s320/jewelry+brass+cuff+finished.jpg" width="181" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I decided that was not a problem<br />
since the limited forming on the stake<br />
still resulted in a subtle, anticlastic curve that I find quite lovely.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No pickling was done<br />
since I wanted to keep the natural patina that formed with the annealings,<br />
but I did clean up the raised folding lines to create surface contrast.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Displaying cuffs has always been a bit of a challenge for me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If I want them to sell,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the cuffs need to be viewed in a favorable setting<br />
that hopefully makes them enticing.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A few months ago, I found a small box with 12 compartments at a local thrift store.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Priced at $2.00,<br />
I was pretty sure I could figure out a way to repurpose the box.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFEg1Ic_WBRbOE88DFiFYbHp1J2nP9dEuBxWT_Hub9KJU35rXl144Tr-wOLJgPOMhDJUpB9-tGOqr9QFutHngrMqfBK04yyRDhBUPi5GnovuoUzmSXKEuLhFMpUrhNONIldEvDNX8SZOA/s1600/jewelry+cuff+display+start.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFEg1Ic_WBRbOE88DFiFYbHp1J2nP9dEuBxWT_Hub9KJU35rXl144Tr-wOLJgPOMhDJUpB9-tGOqr9QFutHngrMqfBK04yyRDhBUPi5GnovuoUzmSXKEuLhFMpUrhNONIldEvDNX8SZOA/s320/jewelry+cuff+display+start.JPG" width="215" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Although the box was designed to be used in a vertical format,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I realized that in a horizontal format,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the compartments would be perfect niches for my cuffs.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To become compatible with the other pieces that I already use in my display,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSIQkbbjxmVzqvIyGMbda2ac005a1P7YUBg-Vzx76vCNnCspc53s-W-tpLLCXSwsX6J9vo8spXIEQoG4SZQl-p1P3-5QgHNKk8wTWp3NcbOKsqzrYeqSJMavHi3czVm_PCEcFECT3k5k4/s1600/jewelry+cuff+display+infills.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSIQkbbjxmVzqvIyGMbda2ac005a1P7YUBg-Vzx76vCNnCspc53s-W-tpLLCXSwsX6J9vo8spXIEQoG4SZQl-p1P3-5QgHNKk8wTWp3NcbOKsqzrYeqSJMavHi3czVm_PCEcFECT3k5k4/s320/jewelry+cuff+display+infills.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I cut cubby-sized sections of foamboard</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and covered them with cream colored burlap.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After painting the box white,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the burlap inserts were set in place.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaIiEEypmFieCEduA7WVRm4DEQjp4z0yP8GNuJw-Ghi9dznaF9Chh3yBxTDxVdd44L0_KxNqblIGDvydOFPoOmeR9PcrbuXqkSxwaOIulX1XLN_tQi1klFe9eivPE4icMDk34UzqJrac/s1600/jewelry+cuff+display+finished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWaIiEEypmFieCEduA7WVRm4DEQjp4z0yP8GNuJw-Ghi9dznaF9Chh3yBxTDxVdd44L0_KxNqblIGDvydOFPoOmeR9PcrbuXqkSxwaOIulX1XLN_tQi1klFe9eivPE4icMDk34UzqJrac/s320/jewelry+cuff+display+finished.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And there you go.....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a proper cuff display.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
More cuffs on the way!</div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17611823171587645020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674121334433369062.post-43907487528251282342016-10-24T09:13:00.000-07:002016-10-24T11:02:33.739-07:00Revisiting Old Work<div style="text-align: center;">
With my assorted creative pursuits, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I find that it helps to occassionally revisit earlier work.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sometimes, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that revisiting simply helps to affirm that I'm on a path that is evolving in a positive direction.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Other times, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I see an opportunity to alter a piece, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
satisfying the new perspective that I have.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Around five years ago, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I made earrings with recycled, textured brass soldered on to strips of recycled copper.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I liked the fact that I was repurposing materials and kept a pair for myself. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As I was going through my personal stash of jewelry, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I came across those earrings which have not been worn in around three years.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Natural oxidation left the metals tarnished, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
making the earrings less than perfect in appearance; </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
however the bigger issue, in my mind, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
was the design.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj18M5EFJ3JyZBU-syKbBYt7RRA8n_iV5SZfYvGkTKmUf9hbwLLYKieHxCNGz0C-Rfhh2EE4ddPQjMz9PgW9eS33MUVAlFbiK-0fNXj9ifMIikkVHI9yI_l8zwwJQ0R4_lKfOCYykFiktU/s1600/jewelry+earrings+redone+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj18M5EFJ3JyZBU-syKbBYt7RRA8n_iV5SZfYvGkTKmUf9hbwLLYKieHxCNGz0C-Rfhh2EE4ddPQjMz9PgW9eS33MUVAlFbiK-0fNXj9ifMIikkVHI9yI_l8zwwJQ0R4_lKfOCYykFiktU/s320/jewelry+earrings+redone+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The earring on the left is the original design from five years ago, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and it makes me think, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Bleh!"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The strip of copper is too wide and graceless, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
making the earring appear heavy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I pulled out a pair of metal shears and cut away some of the copper </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and then hammered the piece flat on one of my steel bench blocks.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The altered earring made me think, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Yes....much better. I <i>would</i> wear this."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
From that original effort, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I still had some of the prepared, soldered pieces of brass and copper </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that had never been made into earrings.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They were pull out, trimmed with the shears, filed and sanded.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51XaGTtY0MD5cga-X1RCq5lMW2F_WumtCRGFRLZ1Vx7VwY3b6p1MZBL4mhaJ18YdPIYjphJcT4JkI_ahyphenhyphenHIv5hiNCHyGxJXWR34-20Wnxrj_LW7AGI7RrX5_y3e0gCWjqkAJ-9rAb8Mc/s1600/jewelry+earrings+redone+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51XaGTtY0MD5cga-X1RCq5lMW2F_WumtCRGFRLZ1Vx7VwY3b6p1MZBL4mhaJ18YdPIYjphJcT4JkI_ahyphenhyphenHIv5hiNCHyGxJXWR34-20Wnxrj_LW7AGI7RrX5_y3e0gCWjqkAJ-9rAb8Mc/s320/jewelry+earrings+redone+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For an even better, updated look, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the newly shaped pieces were treatd in a liver of sulfur bath.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now I have something I can work with!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17611823171587645020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674121334433369062.post-5191385629266344402016-10-18T14:19:00.003-07:002016-10-18T14:19:41.614-07:00Etching to Earrings<div style="text-align: center;">
Preparations for upcoming holiday shows had me busy etching metal last week, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
using some of my current, favorite patterns.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyNhIpVpYOm0hQMTOWhQhU5sTPdh4NxYLRAoSTROXZzcaB13T3iKj0aZDse4CFK93OLlv97UF8FSOt_-NAWRxA8JdE0x9jbpBesnHYT4IqtmQ66gsMFYNveHmuTQ1xg81COYoKWWHOiIw/s1600/jewelry+earrings+etched+discs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyNhIpVpYOm0hQMTOWhQhU5sTPdh4NxYLRAoSTROXZzcaB13T3iKj0aZDse4CFK93OLlv97UF8FSOt_-NAWRxA8JdE0x9jbpBesnHYT4IqtmQ66gsMFYNveHmuTQ1xg81COYoKWWHOiIw/s320/jewelry+earrings+etched+discs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Last month's Art Festival and recent deliveries to shops has left my inventory of earrings completely depleted, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so earring making is at the top of my </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To-Do List.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After a thorough post-etching cleaning,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I punched out a small disc from some of the pieces.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_jDO5J5HM3CXRHi4B10lfomRK3MRyZ-8Hiuf3jLHuW5u8yXh5SnNhqZwifgKudsVQiV1rIT3TyD97Wb58Mq6jLBnO5UJWL6yv4uY2C98-orKCpA9k0VXyzPAYLH2I0KUoZUiaRZFcJw/s1600/jewelry+earrings+etched+discs+cut.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_jDO5J5HM3CXRHi4B10lfomRK3MRyZ-8Hiuf3jLHuW5u8yXh5SnNhqZwifgKudsVQiV1rIT3TyD97Wb58Mq6jLBnO5UJWL6yv4uY2C98-orKCpA9k0VXyzPAYLH2I0KUoZUiaRZFcJw/s320/jewelry+earrings+etched+discs+cut.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Each piece had been assessed to determine the most appropriate balance, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and I used a template to mark the location to be punched.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This extra step of marking the punch location is worthwhile since I find it challenging to accurately situate metal in my disc cutter.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The traced circle lets me double check my placement before hammering with confidence on the punch.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Once I had accurately punched the discs,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
they were drilled, domed and sanded...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir10VRoDQboA6ub7ok6zsT6najeNIhMdz5H8J1JjSzXbmmsc8phjK0N6QdQsExdEXUAvRznoo_rnJ7JuM1IoIJTGCLunfBppcJOkkYV1uN-QYRWE1T_5H1IYzJSlrbcZitSuzhg20vGw4/s1600/jewelry+earrings+etched+formed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir10VRoDQboA6ub7ok6zsT6najeNIhMdz5H8J1JjSzXbmmsc8phjK0N6QdQsExdEXUAvRznoo_rnJ7JuM1IoIJTGCLunfBppcJOkkYV1uN-QYRWE1T_5H1IYzJSlrbcZitSuzhg20vGw4/s320/jewelry+earrings+etched+formed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
ready to become earrings.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With wire wrapped gemstones and sterling earwires,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZOBsuN4qxh532oLP4eG9J4dBN6lohkatKjef_MqXQym6QItydC7dtzLfgi6CmEiU-YTgkXUQQ1Sdg5WjymuI8z2bNVkGY5TuVoA33WGGzyp9igIqcHeDv0DHs6XSQnjC-L3iscbDPRVU/s1600/jewelry+earrings+etched.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZOBsuN4qxh532oLP4eG9J4dBN6lohkatKjef_MqXQym6QItydC7dtzLfgi6CmEiU-YTgkXUQQ1Sdg5WjymuI8z2bNVkGY5TuVoA33WGGzyp9igIqcHeDv0DHs6XSQnjC-L3iscbDPRVU/s320/jewelry+earrings+etched.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the discs are coming off my workbench, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
ready for someone to find them irresistible.</div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17611823171587645020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674121334433369062.post-24903645860888074032016-07-18T13:11:00.002-07:002016-07-18T13:11:41.127-07:00This Used To Be a Nude<div style="text-align: center;">
This 11 x 14 oil painting is what came off of my easel last night.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It actually started off as a life study painting of a model </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as I tried to see if I might have it in me </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to consider submitting to an upcoming juried show,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.wayneart.org/exhibitions/the-nude-figure-juried-exhibiition/"><span style="color: #990000;">The Nude Figure</span></a>,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
at Wayne Art Center.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwy5qdKe2XQOZCOQe0_vse_MRLvcDZUaSTzknE4rvd2Ne0Cuwdoyo1zajmLYy8Uhd-ePZfrdADZ4P2MQBJ8haXncNV_kcI-2UO-HOeL957v5mVtOLpzSulNvczMN4SrfiiI6yTeQKKtDY/s1600/painting+frozen+dream+b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwy5qdKe2XQOZCOQe0_vse_MRLvcDZUaSTzknE4rvd2Ne0Cuwdoyo1zajmLYy8Uhd-ePZfrdADZ4P2MQBJ8haXncNV_kcI-2UO-HOeL957v5mVtOLpzSulNvczMN4SrfiiI6yTeQKKtDY/s320/painting+frozen+dream+b.JPG" width="247" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Since I now have an abstracted landscape I'm calling</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Frozen Dream,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you can guess how that went.</div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17611823171587645020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674121334433369062.post-38953075838570963992016-06-28T12:04:00.002-07:002016-06-29T12:34:42.253-07:00Revisiting Some Paintings<div style="text-align: center;">
As I prepare for several shows that are scheduled for later this year,<br />
I'm pulling out old paintings that are not ready for public viewing. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Some of the paintings are incomplete, temporarily abandoned when I either hit the wall of frustration or allowed myself to be sidetracked by a newer inspiration.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And then there are the paintings that I had previously considered complete but now realize<br />
that I could have/should have done a better job.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This painting, from a couple of years ago, falls into the latter catagory. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_JuhG1UlYbRCh32Uv2kGPX-SvRAZMVXVWvRCCs1cJwiyCictZlHqyabxojopiDOjSjPMbwOSFe4FY8A8RPGf0Cs_Cepznve8yLKo48gzlNnlg_LFcKzVjhuyBrkmV7bJUk8wg-E1lyI/s1600/painting+take+shelter+a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_JuhG1UlYbRCh32Uv2kGPX-SvRAZMVXVWvRCCs1cJwiyCictZlHqyabxojopiDOjSjPMbwOSFe4FY8A8RPGf0Cs_Cepznve8yLKo48gzlNnlg_LFcKzVjhuyBrkmV7bJUk8wg-E1lyI/s320/painting+take+shelter+a.JPG" width="250" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A photograph in my pile of "Images for Art" provided the inspiration as did the movie 'Take Shelter', which features some dramatic, stormy skies.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>If you haven't seen that movie, starring Michael Shannon, I highly recommend it.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I took some liberties with the image</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixICChWFr7TrKnBdGti-bxGTTi3ykx4TrmgNw68uOes6GNoqFsoA0OQH5bTOBmMiZO5oey2zGi6v1ALPoKJ8nfC9WHNFg4CEaPMQBnmsmhzcflMJ_7K7jn3aJCfW-hI7nabx1-tCJMs2Y/s1600/painting+photo+inspiration+take+shelter+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixICChWFr7TrKnBdGti-bxGTTi3ykx4TrmgNw68uOes6GNoqFsoA0OQH5bTOBmMiZO5oey2zGi6v1ALPoKJ8nfC9WHNFg4CEaPMQBnmsmhzcflMJ_7K7jn3aJCfW-hI7nabx1-tCJMs2Y/s320/painting+photo+inspiration+take+shelter+001.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and felt happy with my painting.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
a couple of years has made a difference with my perspective and presumably with my level of skill.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Looking at the old painting,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I now think that the sky is pretty dreadful.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The only thing that I do like is the thin band of light blue at the horizon,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
otherwise.....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">bleh!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And speaking of the horizon...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I now don't like how it is located almost at the center of the painting.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Moving the horizon up or down would almost certainly introduce a more satisfying dynamic to the image.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Also, the dark, stormy atmosphere wasn't working for me anymore.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
With an abundance of conflict swirling around in daily news,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I decided I wanted this painting to take on a new personality.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I keep my camera in my car in case I see a sky that I want to remember and have quite a few images of clouds on file.</div>
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This particular cloud cluster over the football field of our community high school....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3LYUqAnsX3j8787S6g-xX_E7atrW59o4ekp2_E1WSts9zM3JsDZ6jWkA6gVqsuAMq_ieQlIwcI3qjW2LIIp8cYMpjMgmFeDGWW9u3KCPQ93Y7Sa2BEpFroCPnu8ldVDyOVDNFRh7hnLo/s1600/clouds+on+sunny+day.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3LYUqAnsX3j8787S6g-xX_E7atrW59o4ekp2_E1WSts9zM3JsDZ6jWkA6gVqsuAMq_ieQlIwcI3qjW2LIIp8cYMpjMgmFeDGWW9u3KCPQ93Y7Sa2BEpFroCPnu8ldVDyOVDNFRh7hnLo/s320/clouds+on+sunny+day.JPG" width="243" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
seemed like a good candidate to inform and guide me as I revised the stormy sky.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The horizon was dropped a bit.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1FPy1wUxVZqlQQo4_QXdRLfv108yZ_HJxTpBSmge6vlQ5QQ58Vc63eBvDLcfn4cyD6hB3On6W3A7hZ1Z_ggvWxx4vxUW2oYbliSdpNcKG_EaVJDRd5pihN6PUpR76vFZsUQB8hYf6M4/s1600/painting+take+shelter+during+redo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1FPy1wUxVZqlQQo4_QXdRLfv108yZ_HJxTpBSmge6vlQ5QQ58Vc63eBvDLcfn4cyD6hB3On6W3A7hZ1Z_ggvWxx4vxUW2oYbliSdpNcKG_EaVJDRd5pihN6PUpR76vFZsUQB8hYf6M4/s320/painting+take+shelter+during+redo.JPG" width="255" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The tire tracks shifted slightly.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The sky and the field brightened,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtp8Q14LfAawYMU5DBVbpCxbM5nqTJWZk4NMHHEyKdIPqWp5LBmXSLWt3-6sAJN64V-W3cEcLSRtWCn31DQMcSpakDrjmJfdtiMaXhxlnUnj8VaPMfbu9ZdRujJ5SKZyIXQgygpNswfE/s1600/painting+take+shelter+during+redo+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtp8Q14LfAawYMU5DBVbpCxbM5nqTJWZk4NMHHEyKdIPqWp5LBmXSLWt3-6sAJN64V-W3cEcLSRtWCn31DQMcSpakDrjmJfdtiMaXhxlnUnj8VaPMfbu9ZdRujJ5SKZyIXQgygpNswfE/s320/painting+take+shelter+during+redo+a.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and the clouds became friendlier.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A little more work is needed,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but I'm feeling better about allowing this painting to be viewed by the public.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Also reworked...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this painting from a workshop a few years ago.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I abandoned it when I got frustrated with the shadows.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLtBKECxLORtDq_moUPP3c1RwConcyjSeYhrhCaSaKRUMWozGhAgbYv08Wb4hHmAdnkf8xaYVrEqnMbMvQkV6taK_b_AVCjkddKT7Y64wRJC-DhPfK9FzIKbN5cNfZr4hUPD0cXKnRT4/s1600/painting+valerie+craig+workshop+before.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLtBKECxLORtDq_moUPP3c1RwConcyjSeYhrhCaSaKRUMWozGhAgbYv08Wb4hHmAdnkf8xaYVrEqnMbMvQkV6taK_b_AVCjkddKT7Y64wRJC-DhPfK9FzIKbN5cNfZr4hUPD0cXKnRT4/s320/painting+valerie+craig+workshop+before.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As I recently looked at it with a more knowing eye,<br />
I realized that I had created a scene where the sun was shining from both the left side and right side of the painting.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No wonder I was confused!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thankfully,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am now wiserer.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwP5cc5xZFiVGd9C1mwOMKagQH86e7AXzSLj22r1FYjxxIlSUsQYgw9hpocg_Z9alfNyNX7zW44hOVbuWbCeFT8LsLq9IxqxuFnmhohfL_W4vXidmwEur2PLVH8_JAhVPYwmZyenYCKoE/s1600/painting+valerie+craig+workshop+after.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwP5cc5xZFiVGd9C1mwOMKagQH86e7AXzSLj22r1FYjxxIlSUsQYgw9hpocg_Z9alfNyNX7zW44hOVbuWbCeFT8LsLq9IxqxuFnmhohfL_W4vXidmwEur2PLVH8_JAhVPYwmZyenYCKoE/s320/painting+valerie+craig+workshop+after.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The shadows now make sense,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and I now like this a bit more....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
maybe enough to allow public viewing.</div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17611823171587645020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674121334433369062.post-39299382348541489902016-06-18T09:00:00.000-07:002016-06-19T13:29:55.772-07:00Rookie Mistake<div style="text-align: center;">
A few weeks ago, I came up with a new necklace design.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is not one of those designs that began with a clear vision;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it evolved as I went along.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I cut out a large circle from a sheet of 24 gauge brass and textured the surface with one of my old, flea market chisels.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7yVHYJi2hImRxdC1bYZbHtq57rAUem8_WnJ4sNAZWzYvyDlw0tNdJtj0iVBl0AqiKqlp67yXK_l-G7g1LfUnzoV2qHtOlzA4CzELpav3dmpn-LOVmZGzp0MNSRAm-ihXRTuiesA4a3XY/s1600/jewelry+necklace++textured+brass+sterling+pearl.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7yVHYJi2hImRxdC1bYZbHtq57rAUem8_WnJ4sNAZWzYvyDlw0tNdJtj0iVBl0AqiKqlp67yXK_l-G7g1LfUnzoV2qHtOlzA4CzELpav3dmpn-LOVmZGzp0MNSRAm-ihXRTuiesA4a3XY/s320/jewelry+necklace++textured+brass+sterling+pearl.JPG" width="160" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sitting on my workbench were parts that I had made for portal charms, intending to use them for more bracelets.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bringing a portal charm and the large brass disc together seemed like a good idea.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After doming the brass disc and soldering a bail on the back, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the portal charm was riveted in place with segments of sterling wire.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I had an appointment to deliver new inventory to <a href="https://woodmereartmuseum.org/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Woodmere Art Museum</span></a> in Philadelphia </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and planned to bring the necklace.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It seemed like a good idea to have some companion pieces for the necklace,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but that meant I had to work fast to develop that idea and then make something.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bracelets!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I cut out smaller brass discs, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
textured them with the same chisel, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
domed them and soldered sterling bezels in the center.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The bangle portion was cut from 14 gauge brass wire and shaped on my circular bracelet mandrel.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What a rookie mistake!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5nEasWbFy0TmOnuIYN2FCs-X9_NSnGrbXiT10TunGLoL8L_5OHVlBOCuAVYdS_Xa_BQ7Hw7lP9KoM_Fvm3ECK4JLmcBrg21tiH7fKR_AlrRZNk1mxlL231774x2PPYGor77BkZl0AGY/s1600/jewelry+bracelet+rookie+mistake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5nEasWbFy0TmOnuIYN2FCs-X9_NSnGrbXiT10TunGLoL8L_5OHVlBOCuAVYdS_Xa_BQ7Hw7lP9KoM_Fvm3ECK4JLmcBrg21tiH7fKR_AlrRZNk1mxlL231774x2PPYGor77BkZl0AGY/s320/jewelry+bracelet+rookie+mistake.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Once the wire bangles were shaped and work hardened,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I soldered them to the formed discs.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cabochons were set in the bezels</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and the metal was cleaned.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was so pleased that I finished the bracelets in time for my appointment</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but then realized what an error I had made in using the circular mandrel.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The weight of the disc makes the bracelet slip down,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
completely hiding the featured texture and bezeled cabochon.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I<i><b> should</b></i> have used my oval bracelet mandrel,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
creating a form that would have sit comfortably on the wrist without freely slipping around.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These lovely looking bracelets are still on my workbench,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
waiting for me to revise the design to make them functional and marketable.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My other rookie mistake of the week...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
leaving a mixed metal piece in the pickle pot for a few too many days.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Whoops....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I forgot it was there.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The word of the week...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">doh!</span></b></div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17611823171587645020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674121334433369062.post-80023475329822384452016-06-12T10:26:00.003-07:002016-06-12T10:27:21.284-07:00Blocking, and Reblocking, a New Painting<div style="text-align: center;">
I blocked out the beginning of a new painting a few nights ago</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and thought,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"All right... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this could possibly be the beginning of something worthwhile."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg222fVbkr6VPVdtEt5UzFrlVkyEcwiX4mI8TmHAErtq8jiQrBDfCeuI7TeoidTI9DJ7mdg5aFEsLHF4yJHeRIIYRb2I1rwAfj57xTCgWX_GEwY1_0G8zzhgTLwbNP-CBrJElekY9wszs4/s1600/painting+road+curve+session+one+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg222fVbkr6VPVdtEt5UzFrlVkyEcwiX4mI8TmHAErtq8jiQrBDfCeuI7TeoidTI9DJ7mdg5aFEsLHF4yJHeRIIYRb2I1rwAfj57xTCgWX_GEwY1_0G8zzhgTLwbNP-CBrJElekY9wszs4/s320/painting+road+curve+session+one+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And then I <b><i>really</i></b> looked at it.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I was using a photograph for inspiration,</div>
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and realized that I had diverged from the image in some significant ways.</div>
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Diverging is not inherently a bad thing,</div>
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because, </div>
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after all, </div>
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a painting is not a photograph.</div>
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<br /></div>
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But... </div>
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diverging can be a bad thing </div>
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if the changes are not making an improvement.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIitfvrPbYN5oBRbUehklvjFK123Gszs9R85QocxdWP0TilHuClArMT1lv1scl2PAZ1IwqIwRukXnlLPQWqaMeZVIn04qz5wz7TL-xFSbYggLPRHIld41ErVOJfwnVrmcennylhyphenhyphenWC5U8/s1600/painting+road+curve+photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIitfvrPbYN5oBRbUehklvjFK123Gszs9R85QocxdWP0TilHuClArMT1lv1scl2PAZ1IwqIwRukXnlLPQWqaMeZVIn04qz5wz7TL-xFSbYggLPRHIld41ErVOJfwnVrmcennylhyphenhyphenWC5U8/s320/painting+road+curve+photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My first session had everything a bit too high on the canvas</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with the net effect of minimizing the sky...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
not a good thing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The expansiveness of the sky </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is one of the things that I find compelling about this photo.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I went to my easel last night to reblock the image.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Since I was primarily interested in getting the elements more properly situated,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I put only three colors of paint on my palette.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That limited palette was also a factor of my frugality.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtNZn6ib_PkIp9sVP4VlfZFkPI2B2872ubvI2YAWDCp6eQPkOlylaIyQK3FQ8kTyjrEYqSgcBuuhz9jvDe9xu05Lo4JI2_xegjtwVmQKKM4_njm0ZH-622BSG3Xwp3AGw_uLNvvJF2gU/s1600/painting+road+curve+session+two.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtNZn6ib_PkIp9sVP4VlfZFkPI2B2872ubvI2YAWDCp6eQPkOlylaIyQK3FQ8kTyjrEYqSgcBuuhz9jvDe9xu05Lo4JI2_xegjtwVmQKKM4_njm0ZH-622BSG3Xwp3AGw_uLNvvJF2gU/s320/painting+road+curve+session+two.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The layout still needs quite a bit of finessing,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but I think that this updated version </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
better captures the essence of the photograph.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
More work, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with more paint selections, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
later tonight.</div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17611823171587645020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674121334433369062.post-51847235859688137582016-06-07T20:45:00.000-07:002016-06-10T06:04:03.501-07:00Happy Clients Are a Gift<div style="text-align: center;">
After being the selected landscape architect for a project in northern Pennsylvania over 20 years ago, I never had to promote my business.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The initial clients continued to hire me for a series of projects in Pennsylvania as well as New Jersey, New York and Nevada.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One happy client can often be the most effective path to more work and hopefully,<br />
more happy clients.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Because of that first Pennsylvania project,<br />
I was hired to develop a Master Plan for a community park in northern New Jersey.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The local Garden Club funded the Master Plan, so I ended up coordinating with the club's President which led to a nice friendship. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The President and her husband eventually left New Jersey, relocating to a plateau on the edge of Rapid City, South Dakota.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
During a post-move phone conversation, President mentioned that their new home needed a completely revamped landscape but she had yet to find anyone in Rapid City to develop a design.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That's when I said,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"You know....there are airplanes that can solve problems like that."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was hired.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rapid City presented a landscape significantly different from any that I had previously worked with.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The soil on the plateau is very acidic and very dry.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The winters can be bitterly cold and the summers, staggeringly hot and dry.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The winds are powerful and the threat of a wildfire constantly hovers.<br />
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I visited nurseries to understand the local plant palette and noted which trees, shrubs and perennials were thriving in nearby landscapes.<br />
Being one who likes to do work that's compatible with the vernacular landscape,<br />
local stone was selected for the paving and wall surfaces.<br />
<br />
The existing entry drive as well as all other parts of the landscape appeared to have been laid out as a simple reaction to getting from one point to another with no intention of purposeful lingering.<br />
<br />
<div>
That needed to change.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A new walkway and entry patio was designed to make the arrival more gracious and welcoming. </div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
The front side of the house has a view to Mount Rushmore, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and I wanted family and guests to have a comfortable gathering place where that view could be appreciated, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
especially in the evening when the other Presidents are washed in glowing light.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynym5-FKMAe_U01_0KWodD8RE7TnNKKjsplG77vPtXTGEAFIBnuQqTSP5ldoQLZfzPcHyAJ2xs5peNdtu6WruQO4rWy8sjbtx_CCuisl4CQxybEox0syVZ0cGRXQteTA1p1WsjP3FrH0/s1600/old+photos+775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynym5-FKMAe_U01_0KWodD8RE7TnNKKjsplG77vPtXTGEAFIBnuQqTSP5ldoQLZfzPcHyAJ2xs5peNdtu6WruQO4rWy8sjbtx_CCuisl4CQxybEox0syVZ0cGRXQteTA1p1WsjP3FrH0/s320/old+photos+775.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Aside from a few small trees, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the landscape on the back side of the house was pretty barren.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The space between the house and the garage served no purpose.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Selecting the best location for a pool, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinaWC29s9wjWYsZFcR1HWB7SX3yQ-FCkYEW8q72BAKXxDKmMAXp3vGQuR4i71iCpIB1NCRd3X9cfSbpDaz64ZrFXbX60LfN1U44RX9lhEBM7S_KoZkAwAFPc_9Tba1q50cjMe0fwHJ6zU/s1600/old+photos+771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinaWC29s9wjWYsZFcR1HWB7SX3yQ-FCkYEW8q72BAKXxDKmMAXp3vGQuR4i71iCpIB1NCRd3X9cfSbpDaz64ZrFXbX60LfN1U44RX9lhEBM7S_KoZkAwAFPc_9Tba1q50cjMe0fwHJ6zU/s320/old+photos+771.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I thought that the back side of the garage would provide an effective anchor</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggu_B89k0w8mIXIZFa-a5Sx8MZakkvznGDYqlfpuBoBLqaaJNYdpNIgkb4JGjG3X-kI1Z4dDlYaBI8q60sg8P3g7VHj4J9nfklJESrwFTgsWIXnZWVmJ8YnLDNGszami3XX1swXVF9res/s1600/old+photos+776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggu_B89k0w8mIXIZFa-a5Sx8MZakkvznGDYqlfpuBoBLqaaJNYdpNIgkb4JGjG3X-kI1Z4dDlYaBI8q60sg8P3g7VHj4J9nfklJESrwFTgsWIXnZWVmJ8YnLDNGszami3XX1swXVF9res/s320/old+photos+776.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but the location was definitely more about the extended views.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A new doorway to the house was added </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for direct access to the newly rennovated lower level,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8S-4Ir_1ghOeB6Az01VvfwXLJSKJEaFXBzkT8f3HmGbAvGUMqGtjXEK4PbuvHVnC4eoU5qIlwkP84dmLIWdHmSHmZ5xRzN9weYxnu9F-V4WAOSv0Hf_7uCnu5ObpKRys8VTMRxR8nKwY/s1600/old+photos+773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8S-4Ir_1ghOeB6Az01VvfwXLJSKJEaFXBzkT8f3HmGbAvGUMqGtjXEK4PbuvHVnC4eoU5qIlwkP84dmLIWdHmSHmZ5xRzN9weYxnu9F-V4WAOSv0Hf_7uCnu5ObpKRys8VTMRxR8nKwY/s320/old+photos+773.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
requiring significant excavation,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
retaining walls</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJbhmRXoh9h9QVT6NzziM6bYFUzhMaN0H5fxLlfsfOrrNbF__Joa2i2fttQdDXa7MOQ-ifomu-1rtHz3CtzN-2aLk-J9fyTXAZaackTMastPOl8w2wG4l8h7YvxiHMpYV8JvrnDWZNNM/s1600/landscape+waddington+lower+patio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJbhmRXoh9h9QVT6NzziM6bYFUzhMaN0H5fxLlfsfOrrNbF__Joa2i2fttQdDXa7MOQ-ifomu-1rtHz3CtzN-2aLk-J9fyTXAZaackTMastPOl8w2wG4l8h7YvxiHMpYV8JvrnDWZNNM/s320/landscape+waddington+lower+patio.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and some careful drainage planning.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Paths and steps were built</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNFN2bzIHIieyWMQ-TwyF0GjMbAlVBzFGTebZkDgMpp0DHM-7ELIPpiTF-lxyEvOwXIzl5cnSD1IFSfTZvT3xfz0eJyay0yznbwQt7iAq9nsVPnryl8ULjThPxQLcDp7xEwM7-7zKe8II/s1600/old+photos+784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNFN2bzIHIieyWMQ-TwyF0GjMbAlVBzFGTebZkDgMpp0DHM-7ELIPpiTF-lxyEvOwXIzl5cnSD1IFSfTZvT3xfz0eJyay0yznbwQt7iAq9nsVPnryl8ULjThPxQLcDp7xEwM7-7zKe8II/s320/old+photos+784.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to comfortably navigate the different elevations.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The pool,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
with an accompanying trellis structure for a bit of shade,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjOERV-KGlTKyxWuOVWUe5kMbpDTpZEzg7aGkzaZC0haAh4aKyqCPXEHrMUZQ_dbDJifZaIN7R2oOXHk-Aq5hX2J_FV3q4z35UoAosqA6ew7_uBPA2gWa_VntBevTIEg9dUL2jFezNwc/s1600/waddington+pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivjOERV-KGlTKyxWuOVWUe5kMbpDTpZEzg7aGkzaZC0haAh4aKyqCPXEHrMUZQ_dbDJifZaIN7R2oOXHk-Aq5hX2J_FV3q4z35UoAosqA6ew7_uBPA2gWa_VntBevTIEg9dUL2jFezNwc/s320/waddington+pool.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
became a refreshing retreat for those hot, dry summer days.<br />
<br />
That underutilized space between the house and garage</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoE4yvtbPalKWdRUh-WVwjvNwIdH8FJrQ_ldJsRMRWm40510c6pClGSkHk5FYDe_GhmQprnjT9FIfE27PK-gNUgBc7IrEaU9DV3WyrBPcvYY4b6I34wrJ_P_tCNCLQXPS07cvh5O-WKqA/s1600/landscape+waddington+covered+patio+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoE4yvtbPalKWdRUh-WVwjvNwIdH8FJrQ_ldJsRMRWm40510c6pClGSkHk5FYDe_GhmQprnjT9FIfE27PK-gNUgBc7IrEaU9DV3WyrBPcvYY4b6I34wrJ_P_tCNCLQXPS07cvh5O-WKqA/s320/landscape+waddington+covered+patio+front.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
became a comfortable outdoor dining area,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
complete with grill and a built in buffet surface</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZkiqT4KSpYF7uXOdEOylt-HWg7ZBhMp_CU3LtdVWJOv0mKCYWkyLptyAtjcr7crAvOclkwzXHi4XdhQJgUAszZqir2wTmRN8QdNKxBRYp_iOMz_mEnul1lXLd7jperZgR02jCzedk6A/s1600/landscape+covered+patio+from+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyZkiqT4KSpYF7uXOdEOylt-HWg7ZBhMp_CU3LtdVWJOv0mKCYWkyLptyAtjcr7crAvOclkwzXHi4XdhQJgUAszZqir2wTmRN8QdNKxBRYp_iOMz_mEnul1lXLd7jperZgR02jCzedk6A/s320/landscape+covered+patio+from+back.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
as well as welcomed protection from the unrelenting wind.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I recently found out that President and her husband sold the property </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv247QW_-1DrR3ATTIfjjPKMF2js8yYE3fuDg85B5VOcLwcbSnZ0adFOyBUqeHLXT9n0TWG3kFLLMFmGl4EyxpP8ShNWZALAXYSST0lX6avrsuiScnng8If9wNOqliZ8QvheKO47aCpzk/s1600/landscape+waddington+front+entry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv247QW_-1DrR3ATTIfjjPKMF2js8yYE3fuDg85B5VOcLwcbSnZ0adFOyBUqeHLXT9n0TWG3kFLLMFmGl4EyxpP8ShNWZALAXYSST0lX6avrsuiScnng8If9wNOqliZ8QvheKO47aCpzk/s320/landscape+waddington+front+entry.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to live full time on the west coast.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How fortunate for me that a project in northern Pennsylvania</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzPwIKZnfRCdEYUpbY8fCznP2KzrMDOdd8UClN9CqulcVrwS3J5Vk8JJgwT0fy1uTIjcuuUxe4ucmfY2CvHypLoUhyphenhyphen2xlmbwmUowclEu14B_9auk3RMnX_TBsASHi1GBKFXBrQ5Ni6EA/s1600/landscape+waddington+entry+drive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJzPwIKZnfRCdEYUpbY8fCznP2KzrMDOdd8UClN9CqulcVrwS3J5Vk8JJgwT0fy1uTIjcuuUxe4ucmfY2CvHypLoUhyphenhyphen2xlmbwmUowclEu14B_9auk3RMnX_TBsASHi1GBKFXBrQ5Ni6EA/s320/landscape+waddington+entry+drive.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
eventually led me to a plateau in South Dakota.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy clients are a gift.</div>
<br />Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17611823171587645020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674121334433369062.post-16383176648653963642016-05-31T20:57:00.000-07:002016-06-10T06:05:46.142-07:00New Inspiration, Old Canvas<div style="text-align: center;">
When I'm able to, I paint once a week at <span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="http://www.wayneart.org/">Wayne Art Center</a></span>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I appreciate being able to learn from the talented instructor, <span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="http://georgannalenssen.com/">Georganna Lenssen</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and usually welcome the occassional in-class 'assignment'.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For a while, I avoided the model assignments, choosing instead to work on my own projects.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Painting people makes me anxious.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If the scale or relationships between features is even a little off,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the result can be kind of goofy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am so disappointed with myself when I end up with goofy on my canvas.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
since I have declared that this is 'My Year',</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I decided that includes pushing myself into areas of discomfort so that I can learn things that I might otherwise avoid.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A few months ago, I showed up at the art center with a prepared<br />
18 x 24 canvas, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
thinking that I would work from one of my photos<br />
but decided it should be an evening of being uncomfortable.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZsZLsetaV53mTu-Qja9wvLO96_3G84izZk1oy114PaLV_vHklCy-aCUzgC2rIhepWNm831J59Uuq3peB9XvF_bM466MfJIh59OrPOnGaVfE9xCMfYqmb-J_ZI34RINoSiup0Pacyh97c/s1600/painting+model+yellow+background.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZsZLsetaV53mTu-Qja9wvLO96_3G84izZk1oy114PaLV_vHklCy-aCUzgC2rIhepWNm831J59Uuq3peB9XvF_bM466MfJIh59OrPOnGaVfE9xCMfYqmb-J_ZI34RINoSiup0Pacyh97c/s320/painting+model+yellow+background.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Does this look like the model?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not really.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm pleased that I kind of got some of her features kind of rightish,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
her nose is too small, too high and too red, as if she's suffering from algeries.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I also gave her prematurely gray hair.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I apologized to her.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Did I learn something?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Definitely, yes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Do I want to keep this painting?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Definitely, no.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Last night, my prematurely gray model painting became the canvas for a new painting that is in progress.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Something has been gnawing at me to try some more abstract work,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and my model became the underpainting for a new piece.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So that she wouldn't distract me, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I turned her upside down before I began my new composition.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>(the blue chair, green top and right arm are still visible in the upper right corner)</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI9C9__1_KZSGSdh1BVCbqv_NTO-YmXyOFI5Co8wJCzdFvHCKEz6XVFRMJEnDLiFRZTCAj8weuEPK3-Mcq58HeZsdXY4Y-gJkKsv_A8EzvA-VGrlLAifwtgWtO0FlTKa7NdndddYWLQrg/s1600/painting+abstract+over+model.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI9C9__1_KZSGSdh1BVCbqv_NTO-YmXyOFI5Co8wJCzdFvHCKEz6XVFRMJEnDLiFRZTCAj8weuEPK3-Mcq58HeZsdXY4Y-gJkKsv_A8EzvA-VGrlLAifwtgWtO0FlTKa7NdndddYWLQrg/s320/painting+abstract+over+model.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think I know where I'm going with this, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but it's all right if I end up in a completely unexpected place.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What is it?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This does represent something specific to me,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and I've decided to keep it to myself.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've come to realize that I rarely enjoy describing my inspiration...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it's just too personal.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My hope is that, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
whenever I paint, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm able to create an image that somebody else, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
maybe just one person,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
connects to with their own interpretation.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I won't ask for an explanation.<br />
<br />
And a few day later...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6bEdLK-vM7Adlz7_Jf2CX7st0NTP0ctQg-BhgcRzdVqstSkE8-oa-_VVkQdlG-RIeh_Ka-xEoEXq_nxMfA5ormNgXKxwxTXIBtqPRZbg_A9NJqtW3ZE-VI12GY7dhNWCPvIJGOiX4CE/s1600/painting+abstract+over+model+done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6bEdLK-vM7Adlz7_Jf2CX7st0NTP0ctQg-BhgcRzdVqstSkE8-oa-_VVkQdlG-RIeh_Ka-xEoEXq_nxMfA5ormNgXKxwxTXIBtqPRZbg_A9NJqtW3ZE-VI12GY7dhNWCPvIJGOiX4CE/s320/painting+abstract+over+model+done.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
calling it completed<br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(at least for now)</span></i>.</div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17611823171587645020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674121334433369062.post-8227626413905706042016-05-16T07:36:00.000-07:002016-05-16T07:41:12.808-07:00Exploring New Textures, Again<div style="text-align: center;">
I recently went to the </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://www.pacrafts.org/">Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen's </a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
show at Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Guild shows are consistently wonderful because members must meet and maintain a certain level of mastery in their particular area of craft.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm always interested in seeing what other jewelers are creating and was again reminded that most professionals have developed a particular line that can be recognized...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(some fabulous work was seen by<span style="color: #990000;"> <span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="https://janinedecresenzo.com/">Janine DeCresenzo</a></span></span> and <span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://www.heatherstief.com/">Heather Stief</a></span>)</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a definite advantage when promoting one's work.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I continue to believe that, when seen as a whole, the body of my work has a degree of cohesiveness,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but individual pieces might not be attributed to me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This approach does create a marketing challenge,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but I have not been able to deny my interest in exploring new techniques...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
like the texturing of these copper discs.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmKzpS0b2t89ASO3cqeUtGOj9BHZaycx8oTmc-RODsf-TOAU2xAWVqVIo_4Fz9V3FbtZ_DjEuo82Eb9kOg28rynicVkOKWZ8nH6f9uA1u8gIp1q_Kw1RQEDxXGii5QURe1ghtos2yLCI/s1600/jewelry+textured+discs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmKzpS0b2t89ASO3cqeUtGOj9BHZaycx8oTmc-RODsf-TOAU2xAWVqVIo_4Fz9V3FbtZ_DjEuo82Eb9kOg28rynicVkOKWZ8nH6f9uA1u8gIp1q_Kw1RQEDxXGii5QURe1ghtos2yLCI/s320/jewelry+textured+discs.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I had cut a few discs, wanting to experiment with texturing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The plan had been to do some fold-forming,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so the discs were annealed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As I prepared to get to work, my focus shifted to my dapping block</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and ended up with a a texture that calls to mind a lotus seed pod or a lunar landscape.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Once I had a small collection of these lotus/lunar discs,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the brainstorming began.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have what I think are promising ideas for earrings and bracelets that incorporate the new discs,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but chose to move forward with a necklace.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Three discs, of gradating size, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxAGiqCNXF8m30lmCRLyEWQXKOEG03gKw3KDLZG8iE5fnBJg_8TROVoA7EefeR6rG4TA_2X6EK-jhGo2tkkhxW59zKz-LHrguFvo_XUkBuyzMDSCVKwV9fSINKU651p_CzGL40ncT8xf8/s1600/jewelry+textured+discs+necklace+front.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxAGiqCNXF8m30lmCRLyEWQXKOEG03gKw3KDLZG8iE5fnBJg_8TROVoA7EefeR6rG4TA_2X6EK-jhGo2tkkhxW59zKz-LHrguFvo_XUkBuyzMDSCVKwV9fSINKU651p_CzGL40ncT8xf8/s320/jewelry+textured+discs+necklace+front.JPG" width="134" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
were soldered to a base of etched silver nickel</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that I had cut with my jeweler's saw.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A bail was formed with pliers</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9cHbPL9AvscZ0nKkNEPCm-yKmsOeecawRefFAs7pFCiqIoqBmfhNZ7yR1OFSQNngTLX-7LdK9sfXV_t-iPYKA4qi0kdjREOeFToM8PunPr8Hu4ls18YqLTg5gEYUQlpM-f1pGsye4H8/s1600/jewelry+textured+discs+necklace+back.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9cHbPL9AvscZ0nKkNEPCm-yKmsOeecawRefFAs7pFCiqIoqBmfhNZ7yR1OFSQNngTLX-7LdK9sfXV_t-iPYKA4qi0kdjREOeFToM8PunPr8Hu4ls18YqLTg5gEYUQlpM-f1pGsye4H8/s320/jewelry+textured+discs+necklace+back.JPG" width="160" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and soldered on to the back</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
allowing for a clean connection to the woven cable.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Could this be the beginning of a specific line in my jewelry empire?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Possible....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but probably not.</div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17611823171587645020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674121334433369062.post-25827533753142356072016-04-30T14:01:00.001-07:002016-04-30T14:01:46.468-07:00Popular Necklace Revisited<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And continuing <a href="http://cynthiamurraydesign.blogspot.com/2016/04/popular-necklace.html"><span style="color: #cc0000;">from where previously left off</span>.</a>...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the newly resettled labradorite cabochon</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnnuP8-JhjlwZUd-KlAq58yNW0vfaoHbCxxzEQUkSF6e0VMjVuhiylVFhyphenhyphen-yn5aj37yqLCfH3HWuggB1iZLdrVenkKC0ueK3cYojGYZAqKZEgrTC4Llmwcw05poIoriEWQJ7B4gw6nQY/s1600/jewelry+necklace+labradorite+2+pendant+front.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglnnuP8-JhjlwZUd-KlAq58yNW0vfaoHbCxxzEQUkSF6e0VMjVuhiylVFhyphenhyphen-yn5aj37yqLCfH3HWuggB1iZLdrVenkKC0ueK3cYojGYZAqKZEgrTC4Llmwcw05poIoriEWQJ7B4gw6nQY/s320/jewelry+necklace+labradorite+2+pendant+front.JPG" width="144" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
became the featured pendant in today's new necklace from my workbench.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The textured bezel</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAih_4LJQ1QJMGg_84m-5qa5mvQkD3j9tyio5HadzPBMeWQCT7a0xWXpjyRfWhz_7OsgVUl9gRd_V59GKrna4GuZ2RBtdEy0Qf_MEm_7g1Jtyjh1xC4VcWP-lONMbtLd6rfCnPxDV921g/s1600/jewelry+necklace+labradorite+2+pendant+back.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAih_4LJQ1QJMGg_84m-5qa5mvQkD3j9tyio5HadzPBMeWQCT7a0xWXpjyRfWhz_7OsgVUl9gRd_V59GKrna4GuZ2RBtdEy0Qf_MEm_7g1Jtyjh1xC4VcWP-lONMbtLd6rfCnPxDV921g/s320/jewelry+necklace+labradorite+2+pendant+back.JPG" width="149" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
was soldered on to a piece of copper that I had etched a few weeks ago.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Holes were drilled for necessary connections</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgirlU3HsKsTc_OIa5kz6Rqgx6hkPFIc-gMhtAINqXpnKGSrlZa9YqicbG0GRQrPQi0tREsgMOXkojmuXxV6Bst2DChao625f6RCfnnC_OCroH5X5nXoMQlS4qEjQl27QpFHBplvbQF5M/s1600/jewelry+necklace+labradorite+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgirlU3HsKsTc_OIa5kz6Rqgx6hkPFIc-gMhtAINqXpnKGSrlZa9YqicbG0GRQrPQi0tREsgMOXkojmuXxV6Bst2DChao625f6RCfnnC_OCroH5X5nXoMQlS4qEjQl27QpFHBplvbQF5M/s320/jewelry+necklace+labradorite+2.JPG" width="140" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and the chain was fabricated by wire wrapping handmade copper links with segments of chain, crystals and faceted labradorite beads.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maybe the disappointed customer who missed out on the fraternal twin will like this option.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Maybe not...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but I'm thinking that this necklace will find a new home soon.</div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17611823171587645020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674121334433369062.post-57728745641199557752016-04-26T17:50:00.001-07:002016-04-27T07:05:31.680-07:00Popular Necklace<div style="text-align: center;">
I received a message from the Manager of <span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="https://www.pafa.org/portfolio">one of the shops</a></span> </span>that carries my jewelry.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The labradorite necklace that I had delivered last month caught the attention of numerous customers.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj44pVbhRVb-ckNZOLT1GABCjJIx4PE3A43Z7-l17aRuaguiB4SGuzX797tQ1IFuukhspFNLIhSK6Owwzw-cdN7wy-QeWGb1N-zytUR1z5ksl1z3XI1dKYTf1cB9tDSkwC1TXX5fkwzTa4/s1600/jewelry+labrad+necklace+front+a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj44pVbhRVb-ckNZOLT1GABCjJIx4PE3A43Z7-l17aRuaguiB4SGuzX797tQ1IFuukhspFNLIhSK6Owwzw-cdN7wy-QeWGb1N-zytUR1z5ksl1z3XI1dKYTf1cB9tDSkwC1TXX5fkwzTa4/s320/jewelry+labrad+necklace+front+a.JPG" width="158" /></a></div>
One of those customers left the shop, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
regretted not buying the necklace and returned a few days later only to find that someone else also found it irresistible and went ahead and made the purchase.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBkGh-2Sbi1wr1yGcRAhgK31JUdvQeu_ZFh_qSRYmy1ovKgJ4U8JHJbNpc0IOZWAHPLPDbQ4mmLcOEAw8fdC4CZGCFcDM2djI3eMzQLdTGlyedeVxYCZeW7w0zW0fAQXVfM7Jz6z7ya0/s1600/jewelry+labrad+necklace.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBkGh-2Sbi1wr1yGcRAhgK31JUdvQeu_ZFh_qSRYmy1ovKgJ4U8JHJbNpc0IOZWAHPLPDbQ4mmLcOEAw8fdC4CZGCFcDM2djI3eMzQLdTGlyedeVxYCZeW7w0zW0fAQXVfM7Jz6z7ya0/s320/jewelry+labrad+necklace.JPG" width="151" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-size: small;">Yay necklace!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The disappointed customer wanted to know if there was another one available.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lucky for her...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the initial necklace was made with one of the 5 labradorite cabochons that I had purchased at one of last year's bead shows.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As is typical,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I must ponder ad nauseam over special materials before comitting them to a project<br />
and still had 4 labradorite cabochons on my workbench.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I said that I would definitely make another necklace and that it would be similar to, but not a copy of the original piece.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Work began and I was thankful to have my <span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="http://cynthiamurraydesign.blogspot.com/2016/04/clementine-necklace.html">new tripod</a> </span>as I soldered the bezel on to an etched base.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The soldering went beautifully...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the solder flowed, making full contact between the two pieces.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then came time to set the stone.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOTAj7HY59x6z-bbz9RtZ0HGBHx_KGN7Hp7vbBKP1tm1QnEMY8T_hl-WS27eTQe82PccuqtSftSdPmb4urfqniDYvieOITlxEeLQG94CcUDEf2dvsf_h8N8wBRpQpdcXrdtGP5HybqJs/s1600/jewelry+bezel+fail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisOTAj7HY59x6z-bbz9RtZ0HGBHx_KGN7Hp7vbBKP1tm1QnEMY8T_hl-WS27eTQe82PccuqtSftSdPmb4urfqniDYvieOITlxEeLQG94CcUDEf2dvsf_h8N8wBRpQpdcXrdtGP5HybqJs/s320/jewelry+bezel+fail.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I made my own bezel wire out of copper that had been textured with one of my steel stamps.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was perfectly sized...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
all right, maybe it could have been a tiny bit larger.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The bezel had been annealed, but it quickly work-hardened as I persuaded it into shape with my bezel roller.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I soon found myself with a couple of bezel bumps that I could not smooth out....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
not acceptable.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was time to admit defeat and remove the stone so that I could start over.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Easier said than done!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Removing a stone from a super snug setting required careful finess.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Actually,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it was more like copper carnage.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I basically shredded the bezel and was able to remove the labradorite while keeping it unblemished.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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For my second attempt,</div>
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I ran the copper through my rolling mill to achieve a thinner gauge...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVVeYdomxBu4jIbm0RkvvUfJCy1dJUeD5ERtYKZf8tEZ6myy2CUfxWk6BtXtEnDDl0dx_kQD45K8U6ssyq_MsODgWrOTws18U7LBIfdjIAVjdx3A-VmP49zEXv7IelAjmadNCRo8AZgAI/s1600/jewelry+bezel+piece.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVVeYdomxBu4jIbm0RkvvUfJCy1dJUeD5ERtYKZf8tEZ6myy2CUfxWk6BtXtEnDDl0dx_kQD45K8U6ssyq_MsODgWrOTws18U7LBIfdjIAVjdx3A-VmP49zEXv7IelAjmadNCRo8AZgAI/s320/jewelry+bezel+piece.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
which would be easier to manipulate with the bezel roller.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The mill warped the strip of copper...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8TOJoV7x4K4KHHhtoiEodeFObJRXdi1c-QewtftbAEcKGW3zd-ZhJnSQduWgywX6tmbMwCpg9u_Q81J1jReoasLaBSCcoIlfDeC7LnVuAoGhszcoZJCIbEQuBk9l4KccGtyopXe-btOQ/s1600/photo+%2528100%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8TOJoV7x4K4KHHhtoiEodeFObJRXdi1c-QewtftbAEcKGW3zd-ZhJnSQduWgywX6tmbMwCpg9u_Q81J1jReoasLaBSCcoIlfDeC7LnVuAoGhszcoZJCIbEQuBk9l4KccGtyopXe-btOQ/s320/photo+%2528100%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but I was able to use my metal guillotine to cut parallel edges.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The bezel was shaped again</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and successfully soldered onto the base...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDG6Cvj7zza8KDqFDCp_fDaV66jINLhmXM33dFOBa9ehoTDq9_6XkUh3gTbD498IywMIfI8JpKRdjhqGHYe0afjspjv5F3o_sEnw9AHmr4dQfAM9cdCV9OzYxp0nP8DEYtkZdBDGWyYY/s1600/jewelry+bezel+fail+plus+done.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDG6Cvj7zza8KDqFDCp_fDaV66jINLhmXM33dFOBa9ehoTDq9_6XkUh3gTbD498IywMIfI8JpKRdjhqGHYe0afjspjv5F3o_sEnw9AHmr4dQfAM9cdCV9OzYxp0nP8DEYtkZdBDGWyYY/s320/jewelry+bezel+fail+plus+done.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and this time,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
was properly persuaded to hug the labradorite in its new resting place.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Whew!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now I can work on assembling the necklace.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And now for something completly different...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my two favorite pliers decided to break their springs within days of each other.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What the heck?!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGXid_NZV3oO_L9ZQXyQcW3gbl6xjk-6hrAtlu5HnrKrycUUTJBGHsL_rGSQimIeV3l3gyKHJG19oI2f3mVO6WTji-htM6wBRMypFmV2XDplNR3_u5ksNqONq4qlpfTvQOzTY0XnF_LY/s1600/photo+%252899%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGXid_NZV3oO_L9ZQXyQcW3gbl6xjk-6hrAtlu5HnrKrycUUTJBGHsL_rGSQimIeV3l3gyKHJG19oI2f3mVO6WTji-htM6wBRMypFmV2XDplNR3_u5ksNqONq4qlpfTvQOzTY0XnF_LY/s320/photo+%252899%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have nice (code for expensive) jeweler's pliers that I use for particular tasks,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but these Ace Hardware pliers are my go-to tools </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that I prefer when I need to do some serious metal manipulation.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love the design...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
they feel perfect in my hands</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but not so perfect when the spring is broken.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><a href="http://www.acehardware.com/mystore/index.jsp?store=11158&saddr=39.95237,-75.16415(%20)&daddr=39.94569,-75.325(5030%20State%20Rd%20Drexel%20Hill,%20PA%2019026)">Fisher's Ace Hardware</a> </span>was awesome...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
they replaced the newer set of now-springless pliers for free.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I bought a second set and I'm now back in business with a couple of my favorite pliers to help me make this new labradorite necklace.</div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17611823171587645020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674121334433369062.post-5907440641557753162016-04-17T09:25:00.001-07:002016-04-17T17:29:57.865-07:00Clementine Necklace<div style="text-align: center;">
BeadFest was in town last week, and I went to purchase materials...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
some that I needed </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and some that I just wanted.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I recently came to realize that I really did need a </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
soldering tripod...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQs4503BbaPStNXV6XOznGN_OdQ__Y5sYlToWPr-GF15jMXHPXJNiFBvBESQR_mbaSsCJT4iYOM_cdHr61UdgmM-6Qd4By1QJex1QFX1Krp6xca9Jl4D8p4DGDnf0348fV1CR8d13Bn8g/s1600/soldering+tripod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQs4503BbaPStNXV6XOznGN_OdQ__Y5sYlToWPr-GF15jMXHPXJNiFBvBESQR_mbaSsCJT4iYOM_cdHr61UdgmM-6Qd4By1QJex1QFX1Krp6xca9Jl4D8p4DGDnf0348fV1CR8d13Bn8g/s1600/soldering+tripod.jpg" /></a></div>
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to help me avoid some of my workbench disasters.</div>
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The tripod will let me focus an acetylene flame on the bottom of a piece of metal to which I'm soldering a more fragile bezel.</div>
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In theory, the solder will be drawn downward, toward the heat and I won't melt my bezel,<br />
as I have been known to do.</div>
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A new tripod is at my soldering statio,<br />
waiting to be tested.</div>
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I move through BeadFest very quickly to avoid expensive temptation.</div>
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I have an abundance of supplies at my workbench,</div>
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so I don't really need more beads, stones or cabochons.</div>
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But....</div>
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something caught my eye as I passed one of the vendors who had multiple table tops covered with thousands of beads.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv7Ftpzkqfv7b7FqfJeLrQDkcFGx-e928XxTBoyo55eturV2ICVmuT2lLi3OX_kxsjt_nMB6O6Fpo_NTOtEMaQ0HCjI_iRMufWrbIcBjoOa26MfOk-WlFEoYIufwDFiPodJuf9hDwIgjg/s1600/jewelry+orange+beads+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv7Ftpzkqfv7b7FqfJeLrQDkcFGx-e928XxTBoyo55eturV2ICVmuT2lLi3OX_kxsjt_nMB6O6Fpo_NTOtEMaQ0HCjI_iRMufWrbIcBjoOa26MfOk-WlFEoYIufwDFiPodJuf9hDwIgjg/s320/jewelry+orange+beads+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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One strand of large, orange ceramic beads made me stop.</div>
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At 1 1/4" diameter, these beads reminded me of luscious, juicy clementines.</div>
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Yup...</div>
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they had to come home with me.</div>
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Fresh off my workbench...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24TxpojGjP5Y6IF6e5pY_PvqJTe-PmIZO409Agmn1gtRBNXD96935IT9SZr8mGWlHjsSKeqMKR3iaoPxP_XspO5WVSi31g3eVpVLNLvuzXRAE6fhRmxsFJ4fpq1x5IbflyGl9Qyt74Gw/s1600/jewelry+orange+beads+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24TxpojGjP5Y6IF6e5pY_PvqJTe-PmIZO409Agmn1gtRBNXD96935IT9SZr8mGWlHjsSKeqMKR3iaoPxP_XspO5WVSi31g3eVpVLNLvuzXRAE6fhRmxsFJ4fpq1x5IbflyGl9Qyt74Gw/s320/jewelry+orange+beads+%25282%2529.JPG" width="146" /></a></div>
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my first clementine project</div>
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featuring handmade, etched beadcaps,</div>
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clasp and links made from recycled copper wire,</div>
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and wire wrapped citrine, flourite and vintage glass beads.</div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17611823171587645020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3674121334433369062.post-31619868452363770482016-04-11T12:23:00.002-07:002016-04-11T19:42:12.945-07:00In Bloom<div style="text-align: center;">
While I love that I chose a few years ago to explore painting as one of my creative outlets, the process of getting from an idea to a finished product is often a real struggle for me.</div>
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This particular struggle began a few months ago when I bought flowers for my dining room table and did the typical photo documenting for my file "Things I Might Want to Paint Someday".</div>
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It's not the best photo...taken in my kitchen with late afternoon sun coming in through the window and some haphazard white poster boards propped up for background and light reflection....</div>
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but, I kind of liked the balance of the composition.</div>
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This might have stayed in my file for months, maybe years if not for the prospectus that one of the local art centers distributed for an upcoming show titled</div>
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'In Bloom'.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifum59kA1jTILg1aOptGby0yrw21McvXRqOWugaJni8q0BuqkSJ72m1tAOQIOmvko7DHpv2jNkm5VSSngIYOX0rSkf1xrcGNRZ-fGu1u2DSt51SmGKVTERQ8mwsWFt4XtXTxWdR-NzdHo/s1600/flowers+for+painting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifum59kA1jTILg1aOptGby0yrw21McvXRqOWugaJni8q0BuqkSJ72m1tAOQIOmvko7DHpv2jNkm5VSSngIYOX0rSkf1xrcGNRZ-fGu1u2DSt51SmGKVTERQ8mwsWFt4XtXTxWdR-NzdHo/s320/flowers+for+painting.JPG" width="299" /></a></div>
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Since I made the resolution that 2016 would be My Year,</div>
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I'm entering everything that I can to increase visibility of my paintings and jewelry.</div>
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I thought,</div>
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"Oh yeah...I'm definitely painting that somewhat OK photo of those dining room flowers."</div>
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As part of my ongoing commitment to austerity,</div>
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I recently bought a painting at one of the local thrift stores.</div>
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The painting was pretty dreadful, but the canvas was quite lovely.<br />
I liked the somewhat unusual 18" x 18" size</div>
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and the perfect price of $3.00.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Urku7tdAV5FU38v3ioHrh7-0RW2C2SAlrvLUYQYPtKHntCpZno10O0JYqUyjIH0Uqc2_vzvzNEl7ISB9xrRCQQaOM5Kq8ovcmaxBchoD7-s57rdUHHUR9aJnKznYYZvXqOwagggVrFo/s1600/flowers+in+jar+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Urku7tdAV5FU38v3ioHrh7-0RW2C2SAlrvLUYQYPtKHntCpZno10O0JYqUyjIH0Uqc2_vzvzNEl7ISB9xrRCQQaOM5Kq8ovcmaxBchoD7-s57rdUHHUR9aJnKznYYZvXqOwagggVrFo/s320/flowers+in+jar+%25281%2529.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
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I started to block out my flowers directly on top of the previous painting, appreciating the fact that some of the previous brush strokes would become part of my work.</div>
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With the general mass laid out,</div>
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I began to give more definition to shapes and colors.</div>
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The color palette was developed further as I considered shadows and depth.</div>
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At this point I asked for some advice and got a blistering critique.</div>
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Ouch!</div>
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Those inner voices that constantly tell me,</div>
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"You suck at this!"</div>
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felt smugly validated,</div>
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but I knew that I could learn from my areas of weakness.</div>
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Brights and darks were developed...</div>
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the jar grew to be more believable,</div>
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but what was I thinking with that purple blend in the background?</div>
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The unfortunate purple was toned down...</div>
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highlights were added to the foliage and to the jar.</div>
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Calling it done </div>
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just in time to be delivered to <a href="http://www.wayneart.org/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Wayne Art Center</span></a> later this week.</div>
Cynthiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17611823171587645020noreply@blogger.com2