Handforged by Kirsten Skiles

Hot forging again

2012-01-28T15:42:00.000-06:00

Forging with a little 17 lb tank of propane made me really want a dedicated smithy again, with space for a reasonable sized propane tank to fuel my fires.

Studio Update

2012-01-26T12:00:00.000-06:00

Work out to 3 galleries
started learning CAD at the local community college
family
pets
studio

phew

I've got ivy leaf earrings in oxidized sterling silver and in copper.

Sterling silver medium oak leaf earrings and 2 pairs of chased and repoussed copper acorn earrings

and some matching pendants

Four Leaf Clover Cross and other new work

2012-01-11T09:17:00.000-06:00

For those of you wanting to see and buy my work in person, I've got jewelry for sale at the New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art in New Harmony, Indiana.
In a few weeks, I'll also have jewelry for sale at Southern Illinois Art and Artisans Center in Rend Lake, Illinois.

I've finished one lucky shamrock cross for myself

and another shamrock cross for sale in my online shop.

I hammered up a bronze maple leaf sculpture for the wall

and a pair of pretty sparkly faceted quartz drop earrings.

In Progess in the Metalsmith Studio

2012-01-09T08:01:00.003-06:00

Silver Shamrock Crosses in Progress

one done for a family member

earrings that need to be cleaned up before photography

one completed copper Acorn and Oak Leaf pendant

Last work of 2011. Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T09:48:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year!
I don't make resolutions. At the beginning of every year I always say that I want to spend less money and get more work done. Sometimes I succeed, sometimes not. As soon as I finish this blog post, I'll go get some work done while the rest of the family sleeps in.

I've finished up another mineral chasing commission. These mineral chasings are challenging for me, forms that I've never worked with before. I do love looking at rocks, but I've never thought of rocks as something that you'd replicate or depict in metal.
You can click on the photos to go to a larger version in Flickr.

I made up a few copper ginkgo pendants and earrings, well, just for fun. Copper is such a beautiful and malleable metal, all around fun to work with, and a perfect color choice for the leafy work.

As many of you know, my husband, Bill Fiorini, passed away last spring. As an accomplished artist, he left behind a lot of experimental projects, discarded projects, and a few works in progress. Every now and then I find some pieces that I can use, almost in a collaborative way.

Over the past few years he'd been making stamping tools and doing Japanese influenced stamped design work. He had made some flower motif bead forms for earrings. He had some left, so last week I made them into this collection of 2 earring styles and 2 necklaces for my online shop.

In this pair of simple sterling silver earrings, you can see the stamped flower motif and 24k gold dot inlay at the center.

In this second style, he had used two of the flower motifs, soldering them into double sided bead forms with copper in the center.

The two necklaces use the 2 sided more dimensional bead form.
Here one bead makes a simple statement, hanging from a 24 inch black cord necklace.

The other is more dramatic, with 5 beads linked into a 26 inch sterling silver chain.

I also finished up one more of the framed mosaic pendants, using polymer clay mosaic tiles that Bill had created when he taught a damascus steel pattern development class many years ago.

A few things I finished for Christmas

2011-12-26T09:00:00.000-06:00

A cross pendant for a friend. I did a lot of complicated sketching but decided to start with something simple.

It turned out to be a Shamrock Cross. Does that make it lucky? This one is taken, but I plan to make more of these for my family and the shop.

A bronze chestnut leaf, one that I made up as a sample for a wholesale order.

A delicate pendant, a trio of 3 silver leaves. Yes, this one will be in the shop, along with the chestnut leaf, as soon as I take the time to do the less-fun computer work.

Copper Leaf Earrings On the Production Line

2011-12-17T10:00:00.000-06:00

Copper leaves in progress

each leaf formed individually, and then finished into earrings

busy holiday season

2011-12-15T09:26:00.004-06:00

This is the time of year when I get caught up making orders for the holiday seasons and trying to get in holiday cooking and crafts for the family.

I've gotten to do a few special commissions for clients.

a bronze oak leaf pendant and cloak pin set - They liked it so much that they've asked me to make another set. I hope it I can get it done before Christmas.

a sterling silver kidney bean pendant - When a client orders something like this, you know it's personally symbolic and special to them. I'm always honored to be entrusted with this kind of project and thankful that the client was able to wait awhile until I could do the project.

Bronze and Silver oak leaf pendants are always popular this time of year and can be found in the necklace section of my online shop.

Ginkgos too! I had a request for some larger ginkgo pendants, one of my favorite ginkgo designs.

I couldn't resist making a fibula style ginkgo brooch while I was doing the pendants. It's available in the brooch section of my online shop.

2011-11-18T12:03:00.001-06:00

Bronze Ginkgo Leaves in Progress.

shorter hair

new yellow shoes, Doc Martens

Cupcakes

and kiddos

forging aluminum tendril ornaments

2011-11-16T10:19:00.001-06:00

tested out some aluminum by making tendril ornaments

Aluminum, even when shiny, is a bit more gray than I wanted it to be. I still like them.

I'd like to try some aluminum leaves next, a little color variation from copper and bronze.

Gemstone Hoop Earrings and Bronze Leaf Sculptures

2011-11-10T13:29:00.001-06:00

some more lush goodies to share.
I've been fascinated with sparkly rough natural gemstones and pearls, so I've got two more pairs of earrings ready.

Silver hoops with natural ruby rondelles and cultured pearls.

Silver hoops with pink sapphire chips, cultured pearls, and coin pearls

For sculptural lush, I've started making more bronze leaf sculptures.

an Oak Leaf on a twig

A long copper leaf wallhanging

and a Grape Leaf

New Silver Organic but Modern Designs

2011-11-05T13:02:00.001-05:00

Wearing my own lilypad earrings

and finishing up a number of other projects in silver.

Sticks and Stones Earrings

X marks the spot earrings, featuring crossed silver twigs.

Modern Abstract Cross shaped earrings

Modern hammered link Charm Bracelet, with a little heart at the end link

Autumn Color

2011-11-03T09:05:00.000-05:00

Running up the leaf covered lawn on Halloween

Maple Leaves in the Sun

Cosmos still blooming

Rosehips dried and ready to store for tea blends

Rose Leaf Earrings with a blue patina

2011-11-02T11:57:00.000-05:00

Here are the patinated rose leaf earrings finished.

and my own that I'm wearing today.

As someone with sensitive ears, I can honestly tell you that I love these niobium earwires. Even sterling silver bothers my earlobes, but these niobium earwires aren't causing any reaction at all. I'll be ordering more of these in a silvery tone and in black, for hypoallergenic options. I'm also going to try some titanium earwires.

Patinated Leaves in Progress

2011-10-31T10:05:00.003-05:00

Leaves in progress, just about ready to be hung on earwires.

Paper Rose Wreath and New Acorn Jewelry

2011-10-30T15:19:00.001-05:00

I've been working on paper roses for a wreath. I make the roses.

My daughter paints the edges and then I glue them on to the wreath.

The project is very time consuming! Next time, I'm making paper flowers for package bows or ornaments, but not an entire wreath.

For jewelry, I've finished up one pair of heart earrings, one acorn pendant, and two pairs of acorn earrings, all very petite and delicate.

Lilypad Earrings

2011-10-26T16:08:00.001-05:00

just finished and listed in my Etsy and Artfire shops.

Lilypad earrings in brass, with antique blue patina

strays, pumpkins, acorns, and oak leaves

2011-10-23T14:30:00.000-05:00

stray kitten that will have to go to a shelter on Monday if no one claims her. People seem to dump the kittens in our part of town. Pumpkins and gourds gathered at Shreve's Pumpkin Patch

An acorn from Beall Woods
An acorn in silver and an oak leaf in steel

Ocean Inspired Earrings

2011-10-22T13:30:00.000-05:00

I'm challenging myself to make lots of earrings for the gift giving season ahead. In between working on that chasing, I got five pairs of ocean inspired earrings done.

I love textural chunky stones and pearls. On the first earrings you'll see aquamarine nuggets, green chrysophase, and faceted rock crystal. On some of the others you'll also see coin pearls and freshwater pearls. Click on the photos to go directly to the shop listing with full details and more photos.

Chasing results

2011-10-21T08:25:00.001-05:00

I finished that chasing, without restarting, and am happy with the results. I'm not sure whether it is a success or a failure, but it's done and I'm pleased.

working on a chasing

2011-10-18T09:43:00.002-05:00

I'm working on a commission for a chasing

and not terribly happy with the process or the results.

I just cut a new piece of copper and am going to re-start it, with a more European style repousse approach.

Handcrafted Silver Leaf and Rose Jewelry

2011-10-14T19:47:00.000-05:00

I got all those leaves done!

A delicate sterling oak leaf pendant on an 18 inch chain and a pair of petite silver oak leaf earrings.

An Acorn and Oak Leaf Pendant on a 16 to 18 inch adjustable ribbon necklace.

3 pairs of ivy leaf earrings in this elegant style

and 2 silver rose pendants

In progress today

2011-10-11T14:54:00.000-05:00

In the studio today

a walk in Beall Woods

2011-10-09T10:00:00.000-05:00

a few macro shots of tree fungi I saw during our walk in Beall Woods on Saturday.

Harvesting Rosehips

2011-10-08T07:30:00.000-05:00

I found a lot of recipes for rosehips, but in the end, I've decided to string them and dry them. They can be nice autumn decorations while they dry and I can use them in tea over the winter.

The weather is just gorgeous these days and the teepeeing season has begun in town

Harvesting Herbs

2011-10-06T13:03:00.003-05:00

I've neglected my garden this past summer, but I am trying to harvest and dry some herbs for use over the winter.

Italian flat leaf parsley here. I also harvested basil, mint, rosemary, sage, and thyme. I'll be making and freezing pesto later today with the rest of my basil.

The house has an old cold cellar or crawl space that I'm using to dry the herbs.

I have lots of rosehips too, from my rugosa roses. Does anyone know how to dry rosehips for tea?

New Jewelry; Tiny acorns, a tiny heart, and a birdcage

2011-10-04T11:28:00.000-05:00

I've got 3 more pieces ready to show you.

Petite chased and repoussed acorn earrings. See how the hammer marks are different on each acorn?

A tiny chased and repoussed heart pendant on a delicate 18 inch silver chain

A small 14k yellow gold birdcage, also chased and repoussed, on a 16 inch 14k box chain.

Paper Flowers

2011-10-03T07:24:00.001-05:00

It's much easier to make paper flowers than it is to make metal flowers.

These will have something to do with holiday ornaments. I don't have it all worked out yet.

Divine Inspiration

2011-10-01T22:02:00.000-05:00

And just a bit more inspiration to keep me going

...back to the studio tomorrow, starting by shipping out jewelry to customers and starting on two new commissions. I'm always happy to be busy with nature themed jewelry and artwork.

Inspiration

2011-09-29T21:40:00.000-05:00

Autumn Images

2011-09-28T20:00:00.001-05:00

As the garden winds down

This image made me think of what Cinderella's gown must have looked like the morning after the ball.

Other roses are still blooming, but I enjoy this showy form too, after the petals fall off.

and in the studio, a sneak peek of charms to come a bit later this fall.

Acorn-orama

2011-09-26T22:37:00.000-05:00

Yes, I'm staying on my acorn theme for awhile. I find that I finish work faster if I work on a theme for awhile. Once I get all of my acorns done, I'll move to oak leaves and leaves in general. I want to try some aluminum leaves for holiday ornaments.
For now, here's an acorn in progress on pitch.

Here's the one done that I said would be for sale in my online shop (and it is - here.)

and some more teeny tiny acorns and a heart in progress. They should be done tomorrow, though I might wait until I have a bunch more shaped up and do the finishing all at once.

still an Acorn marathon here

2011-09-25T21:25:00.001-05:00

Acorns acorns acorns!
This photo gives you an idea of the process for some of the pendants.

Here are four all done

The ones on the edges are cast, made from one of my original chasings. I think these are the last of my castings in this style, though I haven't totally sifted through my various drawers and hiding places. I'll have to decide whether to make more or not. I have one left for sale here and 2 in the New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art, in New Harmony, Indiana.

The two in the middle are completely chased and repoussed. You can see the differences in the hammer marks on the surfaces. I haven't photographed them yet for online sales, but they should be up for sale within 24 hours (typed with crossed fingers.)

I'm also working on another set of tiny acorns for little earrings. Nope, didn't photograph those before I left the studio tonight.

Tiny Handcrafted Acorn and Heart Earrings

2011-09-23T17:20:00.001-05:00

I finished these sterling silver chased and repoussed tiny acorn and heart earrings.

I still need to photograph these, tonight sometime, and get them listed in my online shops.

The bobtail kitten advised me while I worked on them.

Weekly Update

2011-09-22T08:11:00.000-05:00

I sold well at New Harmony's Kunstfest, a celebration of German heritage and arts. This week I'm finishing up a commission for these steel chestnut leaves

and working on new pieces for my online shops and future holiday festivals.

You'll soon be able to find some of my leafy metalwork at the New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art . Go stroll the town and enjoy all of the great gardens, architecture and art galleries.

Oak Leaves, Acorns and Kitten

2011-09-14T20:20:00.000-05:00

I'm preparing for the German style Kunstfest in New Harmony this weekend. Come by and shop with me.
http://www.newharmony.biz/sponsored_events.php

Bronze Acorn Pendants

A 7 inch copper oak leaf for the wall

a lazy kitten who was no help at all in the studio today

Cats and Bronze Leaves

2011-09-12T15:07:00.000-05:00

Look what my little helpers banged out today.

Bronze Maple Leaf in Progress

2011-09-08T12:30:00.002-05:00

The leaf formed. It still needs another annealing, maybe some gentle shaping (maybe not) and finishing.

Sawing

2011-09-07T17:33:00.000-05:00

Sawing a big maple leaf in bronze

The newest necklaces

2011-08-31T11:41:00.000-05:00

Here are my newest necklaces, all finished, photographed and listed in my shop. Click on the photos to get to the listings with full details.

A silver chased and repoussed oak leaf with a faceted rock crystal briolette drop.

2 hammered copper oak leaf pendants

2 chased and repoussed copper oak leaf pendants

2 pendants made up of polymer clay pattern squares set in an organic hammered sterling frame. My husband made the pattern squares when he was teaching a class in damascus steel pattern development. He would experiment with the clay to work out and demonstrate patterns that would later be made in steel.

2 Moondrop Pendants - moonstone cabochons set in hammered round sterling silver frames. These are both smaller than 1cm diameter.

Five New Necklaces

2011-08-28T17:34:00.000-05:00

2 of polymer clay "millefiore" squares set in silver
middle pendant is chased and repoussed with a faceted crystal drop

2 petite moonstone and silver pendants, little full moons.

busy me

a few ideas in progress

2011-08-27T14:14:00.000-05:00

I was going to use a pearl. Now I think I'll set a small stone and hang it as a charm from the bottom.

Bill did a bunch of polymer clay squares quite a few years ago as part of a Damascus steel pattern development class. Now I'm putting them into my own hammered rough silver settings as pendants.

Copper Oak Leaf Pendants

2011-08-26T08:51:00.000-05:00

Here they are, all done.

Contact me if you are interested in one in particular.

todays work

2011-08-24T09:05:00.000-05:00

I need to finish up copper leaves today.

Layering lines and textures in Silver

2011-08-22T15:57:00.000-05:00

I use line as a strong visual design element, through both texture and form.

The Ice and Rain Brooch

composed of a fine silver metal clay branch, a broom casting and fabricated linear silver strips for the stone setting at the base. The stone is a very pretty blue moonstone, mostly transparent with an opalescent blue sheen.

The second photo below shows you the back of the pin and stone setting.

I finished two other silver pendants.
A silver acorn charm

and Oaken Moon, a chased oak leaf hanging under an abstract linear moon.

What's next?
I have those steel chestnut leaves to finish up, a copper oak leaf pendant commission and all the other ideas floating around my mind and studio.

2011-08-20T11:47:00.000-05:00

Finished Silver Paisley Heart Brooch

Finished Blue Moonstone silver charm pendant

Next brooch in progress

I've already changed the design a bit and switched to a moonstone cabochon instead of the pearl. The silverwork is a combination of broom casting, precious metal clay (the branch form), fabrication, and hammering.

Stonesetting

2011-08-18T08:12:00.001-05:00

I'll show you some fuzzy iphone pics of my latest jewelry pieces in progress. I'll take good pictures tonight.

I'm teaching myself stonesetting using less conventional settings. There is a blue zircon tucked into the oval space near the tail of the silver paisley pendant. The charm on the right is moonstone set in silver.

I love a thicker chunky look in stone settings. I'm using the book Creative Stonesetting by John Cogswell

Permalink: http://amzn.com/1929565224

and good old trial and error.
Oh how horrible error is....

Chestnut Leaves in Progress

2011-08-14T18:09:00.000-05:00

Sneak peek. I'm texturing the chestnut leaves. I'll need to anneal them before shaping, or get my little forge set up so I can hot forge them to shape.

Silver paisley progress

2011-08-13T20:43:00.001-05:00

I'd originally thought this would be a brooch. Now it seems a little too heavy for a brooch, so I'm planning it as a pendant.

I'll need to come up with some ornate big bail so it can hang over pearls or semi-precious gem beads.

This is the back side. I manipulated the sides, rolling them over for a flowing form on the back as well as the front.

http://www.leafylady.com - Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Cute fluff

2011-08-10T11:26:00.000-05:00

Share in the ridiculous cuteness of a kitten in monster mode.

In Progress in the Jewelry Workshop

2011-08-09T22:10:00.000-05:00

A silver paisley heart and 2 copper leaves. The second photo shows the back sides.

A brass and turquoise chip necklace, with a few pearls for the ocean tones that I've been enjoying this summer.

Steel chestnut leaf blanks for a commission that I need to start tomorrow.

and a new haircut

Dog Days of Summer

2011-08-07T22:19:00.002-05:00

We all think it's too hot.

http://www.leafylady.com - Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

If I were...

2011-08-04T08:18:00.001-05:00

If I were a potter I'd be making myself a new coffee cup today.

http://www.leafylady.com - Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

On sale!

2011-07-29T13:31:00.000-05:00

I've got a number of items with reduced prices in my shop.

Crystal and Cop...
Price: $18.00

Earrings with d...
Price: $18.00

Red Sparkly Rub...
Price: $16.00

Hammered Sterli...
Price: $60.00

Forged Steel Ba...
Price: $40.00

Stone Heart on ...
Price: $30.00

2011-07-22T14:14:00.000-05:00

We made it back from vacation. I'm exhausted.
Here's a crazy sampler of our trip.

1. flickr.com/photos/70269549@N00/5960921401/, 2. Futilely digging for diamonds in the heat, 3. great wolf lodge (8), 4. great wolf lodge (11), 5. great wolf lodge (4), 6. legoland (10), 7. Princess area, 8. Legomania, 9. Feet, 10. Sitting on the dock, 11. Waterpark fun, 12. Arcrazed Mama, 13. legoland (4), 14. Mascot mania

Nap time, then back to work
http://www.leafylady.com

Vacation filler ;)

2011-07-20T07:31:00.001-05:00

I'm on vacation this week, but thought I'd leave you with a few photos from last week.

My new old bike - Once I inflate the tires and oil the chain, I'll take it for a spin.

And the big pup giving me a preview of how regal he will look when he mellows out.

I'd post a few vacation photos but I can't figure out how to access the photo code from Flickr or picasa on my iPhone.

http://www.leafylady.com - Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

New work and Vintage goodies

2011-07-13T20:37:00.001-05:00

Three new works on Artfire

chased copper heart on a pearl and copper necklace

Price: US $70.00

such a pretty choker style necklace in brass, with a faceted rock crystal pendant
Price: US $15.00

A very pretty and simple coin pearl and silver necklace, adjustable from 16 to 20 inches
Price: US $70.00

Here's what I'm working on in the studio, trying to decide whether to make another necklace or small wall art, inspired by personal portable shrines.

I relax when I have a quiet morning to sit outside.

I've been adding some vintage goodies to the home, blessed by my generous family.

I love this old family portrait- a little boy done in chalk, or chalk drawn over a photo. I need to get it hung on the wall this week.

oh an fyi- I've been listing used but useful books on Amazon. I've got finch books from Bill, a few art books, some blacksmithing books and one cookbook left. Take a look http://www.amazon.com/shops/A16RP7SWRV97G3
I'll shut down the listings when I go on vacation next week, but will repost them after I get back.

New work in my shop

2011-07-09T10:18:00.000-05:00

I have added new work to the shop, but I've been lax about posting them here.

Here's a quick cut and paste directly from my shop. Click on the photos to go directly to the listing with more views and details.

The first one is the chased and repoussed bronze paisley heart pendant. I showed the in progress shots in the previous blog post.

Chased and Repo...
Price: US $55.00

Hammered Brass ...
Price: US $15.00

This is my other favorite, a very pretty silver Oak Leaf pin.

Sterling Silver...
Price: US $60.00

Ahhh yes, some swiss cheese copper earrings, inspired by the short-lived mouse invasion...

Copper Swiss Ch...
Price: US $15.00

Pretty copper ginkgos. Snatch them up while you can.

Copper Ginkgo L...
Price: US $25.00

A silver and aquamarine necklace

32 inch Aquamar...
Price: US $65.00

and matching earrings

Seaside Cascade...
Price: US $25.00

Copper Kite Ear...
Price: US $20.00

Paisley Chasing in Progress

2011-06-23T08:54:00.000-05:00

In progress in the studio

and again

I always keep a bit of bead and wire work going on the side to distract me.

blueberries ripening outside.

bright bergamot taking hold

Family Crafting- handcrafted stamps and cards

2011-06-18T11:27:00.000-05:00

We've all recently become addicted to making stamps and cards with the stamps. The kids started it off by finding an old oak leaf and acorn stamp carved into an eraser, from a workshop I took many years ago at The Pumphouse in LaCrosse.
They took turns nagging me with "I wanna make stamps!". So I ordered some Speedy-carve and speedball linoleum carvers from Amazon. The rest is history.

I love the way the simpler, cruder designs look better when it comes to this type of stamping. Any one of us can make cool stamps, without extensive drawing skills.

If you don't want to carve the stamps with a sharp tool, you can get the 1/4 inch craft foam and press design into it with a blunt pencil or blunt edge, like a spoon edge.

To see more of our stamps and creations, please check out my Handcarved Stamps set on flickr at http://www.flickr.com/photos/knitsteel/sets/72157626977179468/with/5843935138/

.

Rest in peace Bill Fiorini

2011-06-10T10:43:00.000-05:00

Many of you know that I was married to Bill Fiorini.
After a long year of illness with many complications, Bill passed away peacefully last Saturday morning.

For his full obituary, please go here http://navigatorjournal.com/articles/2011/06/09/obituaries/doc4dea5aa84f085408615848.txt

We are planning a get-together up in Wisconsin or Minnesota later this summer or fall to celebrate his life and artwork. Any memorials should be made in his name to either ABANA at http://www.abana.org or to the National Kidney Foundation at http://www.kidney.org/

Rest in peace Bill. May you have many more opportunities to explore beauty in all of its forms as you continue along your journey.

Keeping Busy

2011-05-21T08:04:00.000-05:00

I'm not getting much metalwork done, but I do manage to keep busy.
There's much to be thankful for.

Follow these links to see the full size photos on flickr (without the tops of our heads cut off)
1. Bad medicine, 2. Boy and pup, 3. Yum chips!, 4. Settle down, 5. Grandma says I always take the worst pictures of her., 6. Just me

Created with fd's Flickr Toys

my happy filter - or how I see my world

2011-05-17T09:08:00.000-05:00

I'm blessed with good brain chemicals, or an overall happy filter in my minds eye.
Here's what I see around me.

To see the individual photos with greater resolution please follow the links below.
1. I didn't need it :), 2. What's for lunch?, 3. Peonies and Roses for my table, 4. Rose and Raindrops, 5. random crochet, 6. Share?

Created with fd's Flickr Toys

If you want to see these snapshots as I create them, go visit my Tumblelog at http://leafylady.tumblr.com/

Garden photos

2011-05-13T11:36:00.001-05:00

Been taking quick photos with my iPhone and then manipulating them with a few fun apps.

The results, like every art form, show ones perception of the form,

the feelings that the subject evokes.

I'm a big fan of rugosa roses with their fragrance, thorns, and hardiness.

(the red rose above is not a rugosa, but I can't remember the name.)

So far I'm using Grungetastic, instagram, and PSexpress on the iPhone. Let me know if you have any other favorites.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Pretty Things

2011-05-11T10:10:00.000-05:00

Limits, in form and material, provide their own form of joy.
Enjoying making pretty things.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Passing through

2011-05-10T12:16:00.001-05:00

A visitor passing through our muddy yard.

A handcrafted gift from my daughter, made with help from a great neighbor.

A gift given as a random act of kindness from my friend at http://www.etsy.com/shop/Acorngirl

-Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Bunny Love

2011-03-06T10:41:00.000-06:00

Do you love bunnies when they aren't eating in your garden?
Well
I've got two new silver bunny necklaces and a silver puffed heart pendant, all one of a kind, created with chasing and repoussé.

Silver Acorn and Oak Jewelry

2011-03-01T07:02:00.004-06:00

Several items in the works made it to completion last week.
a hat I've been crocheting for my daughter

Silver Acorns in progress

turned in to a single simple Acorn Pendant.

and this Acorn and Oak Leaf Necklace on an 18 inch chain.

I can never make just one oak leaf, so here's another Oak Leaf, as a pendant.

I'm working on a few more as a father son set inspired by The Rangers Apprentice book series (by Tom Flanagan.)

Oh! I finished the hat too.

Chased and Repoussed Acorns and new silver jewelry

2011-02-23T08:19:00.000-06:00

Several Copper Acorn Pendants, the first in copper and the second in bronze.

A Copper acorn brooch. Notice that the pin mechanism is part of the entire design rather than hidden on the back of the pin. I'll be taking this approach more often. It just looks so much more beautiful.

For the sterling silver jewelry,
I have a new bird necklace, with a blackbird in flight carrying a leaf home.

Last but not least a pair of sterling silver asymmetrical ocean themed earrings with citrine and coin pearls. They make me think of mermaids.

Chased and Repoussed Heart Pins and Valentine gift markdowns

2011-02-08T12:38:00.000-06:00

New Chased and Repoussed Copper Heart brooches
From this
to this

To the finished Brooches! First person to buy has first choice of the two available.

Sale on select earrings in my shop.

reduced from $21 to $16

reduced from $25 to $16
reduced from $25 to $18
reduced from $25 to $18

Studio Update with metal and fiber art

2011-01-26T10:42:00.000-06:00

It's been so long since I updated my blog!
I finished two brooches and put them into my artfire shop.

Some work in Progress

My sewing machine broke. So, with a combination of needlefelting and handstitching, I created 4 mixed media fiber art heart pieces for a heart-themed swap. I shipped them out Monday and can't wait to see what I get in return.

Copper Acorn and Oak Leaf Jewelry

2010-12-20T07:58:00.000-06:00

I've been working with my die formed acorns, chasing them individually over pitch to refine and texture.
2 acorn amulets. These come ready to wear with a 16 inch black cord necklace. 18 inch sterling silver chains are available for an additional $17.

an oak leaf amulet. On all of these, the organic branch forms are hollow, hammered from sheet metal, making them quite lightweight and strong.

Acorn Earrings
I can repeat this style, so please ask if you need more. Each acorn will still be one of a kind, but enough alike to wear as a pair.

a mother's birthstone necklace

2010-12-10T08:03:00.000-06:00

My husband has been in and out of the hospital over the past few months. While waiting in doctor's offices or the hospital, I nearly finished my wild stocking hat. I need to finish up a little wool heart for the end tassel.

I also cast on my next knitting project, crafted with the kids, and picked up some crazy duct tape to use with my giftwrapping.

I haven't had a chance to get back to my die forms since my last blog. When I did get back into the studio, I made my holiday gift for myself, a mother's birthstone necklace.
It's a visually delicate, but physically strong 18k gold chain with pearl and citrine drop pendants. The pearl and citrine represent my children's birthstones.

I don't plan to offer these as an individual listing in my shop, because the prices will vary so much depending on chain length and stone. If you are interested in your own similar necklace, please contact me for a price estimate.

Bill and I had planned to get some new tools for my holiday gift. Unfortunately, every tool I want is backordered indefinitely. I take that as a sign that I don't need new tools right now. I'm better off making than buying.

Conforming Dies and the Hydraulic Press

2010-11-29T12:30:00.003-06:00

Conforming die progress

models set up, in pipe, ready to pour the Devcon liquid steel resin

negative halves cast

set up to pour positive halves

done and curing. The greasy residue is petroleum jelly, used as a resist.

Time to test the molds. I used 24g copper for the most part, because it was handy.

button form tests - worked better with thicker material

copper hearts in 24g copper

oak leaves in 24g copper

gingko leaves in 24g copper

using the hydraulic press. This doesn't require much muscle power at all.

More Cookie Icing, more Acorn Jewelry

2010-11-17T15:19:00.000-06:00

My daughter has taken a class from Cathy of Cathy's Designer Cookies too. So when I made my first batch holiday sugar cookies (freezing some for later) she claimed most of them as her own to decorate.
I'm so proud of how she refuses to follow patterns. She takes what she has learned and comes up with her own colorful delightful creations.

I had a full day in the studio yesterday and managed to get a lot done, despite an icky cold virus.
Two pairs of earrings, both sold already.

and two talismans or amulets.
They both share the oak and acorn theme, but both take it in different evocative directions.

This one uses copper, resin and bits; nostalgic bits of paper, chain, mesh, and grass embedded in the resin. It feels more like a memory to me.

This one has a silver oak and acorn encircled with silver branches. It has an elven faerie feel to it, a magical earthy amulet.

Maple Branch Long Necklace in Copper and Silver

2010-11-16T10:53:00.000-06:00

I completely forgot to show you the necklace I finished.

It's on hold for a customer and will soon be shipped out.

Winter holiday decorating, cookies, chasing and repousse

2010-11-15T08:57:00.001-06:00

We have started the Christmas decorating. I promise not to skip gratefulness. I have made it a point to make the decorations child friendly, age appropriate and interactive over the years. We make ornaments together and ice cookies. There's a lot to do, so we have to start early!

Someday when my kids are middle-aged, I want them to say "I wonder what mom ever did with that crazy pink tree."

I took a cookie decorating class with Cathy Webb of Cathy's Designer Cookies at Kitchen Affairs. I never make such elaborate cookies at home, but I love that jumpstart of a fun class to get me into cookie mode.

The cookies lasted a whole ten minutes after I got them home. I can honestly say that Cathy's cookies taste even better than they look. If you need gourmet cookies that look and taste good for an event or for gifts, I recommend that you order them from her website http://cathysdesignercookies.com/.

I know you are all wondering how I get any metalwork done. Me too.
In the studio I am working on silver acorn jewelry.

and a high relief bronze oak leaf chasing.

I can honestly say that I'm not all that enthused about making a non-wearable chasing. I feel like I need to do it to prove a point.
Yes, I am still damn good at high relief chasing, regardless of the scale.
Now that I've admitted that to myself, maybe I will set it aside and work on a big greenman brooch instead! he he he

Puffed Organic Heart Jewelry- Chasing and Repousse

2010-11-10T08:05:00.000-06:00

I finished all four silver hearts

I composed this in-progress collage to remind you of where these forms started and how they progressed. First the I use the conforming die form for the rough shape, then a lot of chasing and repousse to fill out and refine the shapes.

Here are the silver hearts all together and the back views. You can see the tiny hammered chasing tool marks all over. I don't use a matting tool. I use a tiny peen shape to make the marks, so I can work over the asymmetrical curved surfaces, in the way that I would do on a larger piece with a hammer.

Two of the silver hearts were claimed right off my facebook fanpage not long after they were done. The other two are available in the necklace section of my Artfire shop.

I also finished one more bronze heart, in a little thicker gauge bronze than the one I posted a few days ago.

On the homefront, the holiday season approaches.

I am getting my Santa shopping done and slowly decorating.
I'll be making a non-mechanized wagon float with the kids for the children's parade.
I'm doing my usual chauffeuring, healthy (and sometimes decadent) cooking, and trying to keep the house in order.
I would love to do more sewing, knitting, and embroidery. I get distracted playing video games with the kids.

I can't really complain :).

Handmade Hearts, Stars, Roses and Ginkgo Leaf Jewelry

2010-11-07T07:36:00.001-06:00

(psst, click on the photos for larger detail views and multiple images)

I'm trying to remember everything I've gotten done since Halloween. Well, truly, I wasn't getting much done beyond household chores and relaxation. I decided to jumpstart my studio work with a batch of earrings and more of my heart jewelry.

Sterling Silver Ginkgo Earrings and Rose Earrings

The rose earrings are sold. I make most of my smaller rose pieces from vintage silver jewelry, stamped roses that (in their past life) had no personality or style. I anneal, hammer, tweak and twist them until they look like a real rose and then re-fabricate them into earrings or pendants. So, these rose earrings become available as I find just the right vintage pieces to re-purpose.

I've been wanting to make some star earrings for my daughter. I ended up making four pairs, giving one pair to her and putting the rest in my shop. These are more abstract compositions of stars stamped onto a rough paper-like sterling background and then hanging on a moon-like hammered circle.

I repoussed and chased 3 hearts, 2 in copper and 1 in bronze.

The copper one in the upper right hand side is claimed. The other two are available in the necklace section of my artfire shop.

I have one more bronze heart and 4 silver hearts in progress in the studio right now.

So I feel productive at least in the studio.

I prioritize my family.
I don't get much housekeeping done.
I love holiday decorating.

I'm a busy woman, thankful to have lots to do and very few deadlines.

Midsummer Night's Dream fairy costume

2010-11-02T13:01:00.002-05:00

Halloween was a great success!
I've always enjoyed Halloween most when I've made my own costumes. This year was no exception.

Halloween Tutu and Silver Oak Leaf Jewelry

2010-10-29T13:31:00.002-05:00

Kids have the day off school and I'm working on my Halloween twisted fairy (or zombie ballerina?) costume.

I made the tutu, not the flower garland. Next I need to take it outside and creepify it with some black gesso and glitter.

Now for metalwork- I finished 4 new Sterling Silver Oak Leaf Necklaces.

All available in the necklace section of my Artfire Shop.

I also finished one pair of petite and lovely sterling silver Ginkgo Leaf Earrings, always popular when I have them.

Copper Maple Leaf Jewelry and a studio update

2010-10-27T07:59:00.001-05:00

I've got one copper oak leaf necklace left in my shop and just added 4 new copper maple leaf necklaces.

In the studio, I have a brooch and larger maple leaf and twig necklaces in progress. At top you can see two more mixed media resin experiments. They seem a bit thicker than I'd like, but I'm going to wait a few days and re-consider them.

I'm thinking carefully about how I want to make the chain for this maple leaf and twig necklace and for the mixed media oak and acorn pendant. I would like to make it all handcrafted, funky and perhaps even mixed media (with fiber), but am concerned that of course, it won't be saleable due to higher labor time and cost overall. The artist always questions herself...

Metals studio, vacation, and garden updates

2010-10-24T10:52:00.006-05:00

We spent a few days near Gatlinburg visiting with family. That place is way too crowded and flashy for my tastes, but if you can get through the traffic, there are some nice attractions. Our favorite was the Ripley Aquarium in Gatlinburg.

In the metals shop, I played some more with resin and got started on some silver oak leaves.

a few more layers on the acorn and then this stand-alone medallion of sorts. I will incorporate it into a mixed media brooch or necklace, assuming the resin cures properly. I started a few more of them last night.

Here are the silver leaves right after sawing and shearing them to shape. They look like paper.

Here they are after one round of hammering.

still looking a bit like paper. Now they need an annealing and more shaping.

Here are a group of silver, copper, and bronze die formed hearts,

waiting for some chasing and repousse to add detail. I'm procrastinating, because I will be learning how to use a hard grade plastilina as a backing material.

I thought I'd show you some of my daughter's digital art. She uses the basic free Paint program to play with line, color, and fun imagery.

And finally- I went out to photograph some of the great blooming autumn colors.
the Mums

From yard photos

The Purple Asters (and bug)

From yard photos

Reworking a not-so-old quilt

2010-10-23T13:37:00.000-05:00

Here's an old photo.

It's a king size quilt that I made from mostly vintage tea towels. Quite a few of the tea towels came from my Granny, who seemed to collect souvenir tea towels from her travels and from her English relatives.

The dog wore out one section where she jumps on and off the bed, so it's raggedy in that spot. It's way too big for our current bed, so it sits folded in the closet. I'm going to take it down and cut it into several afghan sized quilts. Then I will redo the binding with many scraps of unhemmed fabric, possibly even from the raggedy tea towels that I have in my own cupboard.

Yes, I'm still doing metalwork. I was on a short vacation with the family. I'll take photos and blog it all soon.

Update on conforming dies, resin, and new copper and silver jewelry

2010-10-15T09:10:00.000-05:00

The two piece conforming die gives me a lot of depth, quickly. This one is made with Devcon steel epoxy resin, cast into steel pipe. My next experiment will be the same material cast into cardboard tubes. It's terrible to saw the steel pipe into small sections with a hacksaw and I'm not sure it's necessary.

The clear resin cast beautifully into the acorn bezel.
My only question;
I thought it would dome in front, but instead it made a concave shape with the highest parts at the edges.
Is that what resin does when it fills a frame?
If I rough up the surface and cast more on top, will it dome up?

Here are front and back views. I like the satiny surface on the back side.

I finished a necklace and 4 pairs of potentially matching earrings.

A cluster of copper leaves hangs from an 18 inch sterling silver necklace.

Copper Leaves hanging from sterling chain and earwires

Copper leaves and crystal on niobium earwires

Single leaf drops on niobium earwires

Honey-toned copper leaves and faceted rock crystal

Exploring Die Forms and Resin for Jewelry

2010-10-11T10:43:00.000-05:00

All of that chasing and repousse has reminded me that I need to look for ways to make the process a little speedier.

Hence- exploration with die forms. I am experimenting with a one sided die right now, as I psych myself up to sawing enough steel pipe to make some conforming dies. I wonder if I really need to use thick walled steel pipe... Would the devcon steel epoxy resin react with and melt pvc pipe? Would pvc pipe crack under the pressure of the press?

Leaves Leaves Leaves! I love this petite ivy leaf for earrings. Here they are before tumbler and patina.

Now this is a bit of a new direction

The acorn is an open bezel form that I will fill with clear resin and other mixed media bits. I've been wanting to do this for a long time. Saturday, I built the pendant form. This morning, I saw a link to this video showing how to pour resin into a backless form, with embedded bits.
Serendipity? fate? good luck?
I'm inspired now. I hope it's as easy as it looks in the video.

Finishing the Acorn with Chasing and Repousse in bronze

2010-10-09T09:54:00.001-05:00

Here are the last ten images documenting the bronze chased and repoussed acorn.

The last picture shows the two commission pieces together, an oak leaf sculpture and the acorn sculpture, before shipping out. The oak leaf sculpture was created with basic metalsmithing techniques (saw, hammer, solder) and patina.

Acorn Chasing and Repousse Slide Show

2010-10-07T07:37:00.002-05:00

I spent two days supporting my kids at academic challenge events. Yay kids!
I spent the whole time knitting on my hat.

I finished the main body of the hat on Tuesday, but I still need to knit down from the brim, to make it a bit smaller.

Yesterday, I started an acorn chasing in the studio. I took lots of photos along the way to help document the process. Honestly, I need a dedicated photographer to help me with that. Once I get into the process, I don't like stopping to take in-progress photos.

This is a short, 35 second, video of me chasing a section of the acorn. You may have to click the video and view it on its picasa page.

Finally- I finished this oak leaf sculpture- copper with an ammonia-blue patina.

Dreadlocks, Copper Leaf Jewelry, and In-Progress

2010-10-01T23:48:00.001-05:00

Hey look I'm a dreadlocked freak! Woohoo!

An old high school acquaintance found me recently. I'm sorry to say that yes, it was just like 24 years hadn't passed. After inquiring politely about my dreads, she then went and posted an OMG Dreads Freak post on another old highschool friend's page.

There is a good reason to leave high school in the past.

So go look back at that photo now. My dreads are about six months old. They are still super fuzzy, but coming together nicely. They are really shortening up, as the hair gets pulled into the locs. Most of the time I keep it natural. When the fuzz drives me nuts, I use a dreadwax.

Hey! Don't stop looking at that photo. Do you see that I finished some necklaces? I'm modeling one (put on backwards darnit) and my mannequin is modeling the other.



I finished 1 oak leaf brooch and 4 maple brooches


One of the maple leaf brooches has the beautiful blue patina in the deeper areas.


As always, please click on the photo to see larger images, more images, and all of the details.

Here's an in-progress photo from the shop that shows a few of these brooches before they were complete, and some earrings in progress.

I love sparkly crystal earrings and non-precious metals. These could be done as is, but it's very important that these earrings be uniquely mine. A lot of artists made beautiful sparkly earrings. I want mine to have a touch that says "leafylady". I'm working on some of the little copper ivy leaves to add as another dangle. I'll try them out this weekend sometime and let you know how it goes.

Vein and Twig Forming Stake. Chasing and Repousse in Steel

2010-09-28T08:56:00.001-05:00

I thought you might enjoy seeing one of the forming stakes that I use to vein leaves and to form my organic twigs.
I made it by grinding a groove in a used jackhammer bit. I lightly filed the grinding marks out, but I did not sand or polish the tool. The textures enhance my work.

From in progress, for blog

I use a modified rivet hammer to ease the metal into the grooved area.

From in progress, for blog

I am going for an organic bark look, so I let the piece take on lumps, bumps, and texture.

From in progress, for blog

If I wanted to make a perfect tube form, I would be better off using a flat groove tool with softened edges. The step of a small anvil would work well, or even a groove ground into a hard wood.

From in progress, for blog

That particular twig ended up in one of these pieces. Three of them will be brooches. The largest one will be a sculpture for the wall or tabletop.

From in progress, for blog

You can see bronze twigs, and a copper twig for the pendant bail in this maple branch necklace that I finished and photographed yesterday.

I've also re-photographed 1 candleholder and 5 examples of chasing and repousse on steel. As always ,click on the link to see more photos and a detailed description.
These are all for sale (chasings and necklace) in my new artfire shop.

Grape leaf candleholder

maple leaf chasing with a forged leaf hanging below

small maple leaf chasing that can be a wall or tabletop sculpture. The sides are welded on to add to the illusion of depth.

one of the maple leaf chasing used in a wallpiece inspired by a water-carved landscape

a piece with similar inspiration, but more inspired by the Driftless region landscape in general, from our time living in SW Wisconsin.

An oriole chasing in steel, with a forged leaf emerging from a branch at the bottom. I like combining 3d elements with the chasings, as if the picture were trying to break free of its boundaries.
When you purchase from my shop at Artfire, you do not have to register to become a member. You can pay with the same paypal account you used in my previous store, or you may choose to try Google Checkout.

Photography Area Update in the studio

2010-09-27T08:16:00.002-05:00

The photography and packaging area is ready for use. I've got the distressed brick wall as a backdrop for the mannequin and my lightbox for the small art and jewelry. After I took the picture, I hung a sturdy white plastic sheet behind the lightbox, to photograph lightweight wall art. I've got my rebounder there too, to bounce off steam and sneak in a little exercise.

From in progress, for blog

Later today I will be re-photographing these steel bas-relief pieces, that I created with chasing and repousse a year or so ago.

From in progress, for blog

It's great to see Bill Fiorini been back to work in the studio, after a rough summer of health issues.

From in progress, for blog

People only take pictures of me when I'm playing or relaxing- so here ya go!

From in progress, for blog

Moving a Mosler safe, Tween gift shopping and Autumn leaf art

2010-09-25T23:25:00.001-05:00

Yep, all that.
I haven't gotten artwork done this weekend. I've been reorganizing a few areas- so I can move my photography and shipping stations. I've been waiting a year to do this reorganization, because there was a big obstacle in my way, an old Mosler safe in the basement. I've never seen it locked. It's been moved once, into an inconvenient spot, before we moved in. It is just a darn cool thing to have down there- but in the way. Bill and I have been hunting for our prybar for a year, yes a year. I found it the other day, in plain but well camouflaged sight, in the garage. Sooooo- yes, I moved the safe!

Inch by inch...

From in progress, for blog

Bill wanted to help, but after the summer of health issues, I said no. He coached and photographed instead.
Now I've got my photography and shipping area moved into the right spots. I can get on with studio work again, if the kids let me. I believe my Sunday assignment is pumpkin pie.

I'm starting to hunt down handmade holiday gifts for the kids. At their ages, they mostly like techno gifts. I still try to track down unique handcrafted items and art/craft kits. Here's a nice shopping list I came up with on Artfire (my new selling venue). With handmade, I really need to get an early start. These goodies aren't mass produced by cheap labor in a sweatshop. They might run out, so I need to plan ahead.

Tween Gift List

Curated By: leafylady

ArtFire.com

Craft Supplies

Let me know if you see other handmade gift ideas that would appeal to "tween" boys and girls, especially boys. It's so hard to find handmade boy gifts for the tween age. It's ok if you buy a few of these. I'm sure the artists will be happy to make more.

For Autumn themed leafy gifts, take a look at this collection curated by bluejane. It's all leaf themed handmade gift items, really beautiful stuff including sculpture, photography, jewelry, glass and ceramics.

Artfire Collections featuring Coppersmithing and Copper tones

2010-09-24T23:14:00.000-05:00

I love how artfire lets me embed collections (theme groups of work curated by members) into my blog.

Mining for Copper

Curated By: GypsyGDesigns

ArtFire.com

Indie Design

Copper Mania

Curated By: Twistedstone

ArtFire.com

Jewelry Supplies

in progress, artfire, and new necklaces

2010-09-23T14:12:00.000-05:00

I bounced. I moved to artfire.
Yes, I still have my shop at Etsy, but I'm also selling at Artfire. You can buy at either place, but I will be promoting my Leafylady shop on artfire more than my etsy shop. Artfire will

cost me less money
has more seller tools for me
is more buyer friendly
allows more payment options (paypal and google checkout for my shop)
has a superior search function
and allows customers to buy without being registered on the site.

To keep things simple, http://www.knitsteel.com and http://www.leafylady.com will both redirect you to my artfire shop.

Here's what's happening in the studio. Copper sheet waiting to become leaves and branches and other pendants waiting for necklaces.

From in progress, for blog

Here's what's done and already up in my Leafylady Shop.

a copper maple leaf pendant patinated with a touch of blue

a petite patinated copper ivy leaf necklace

A bronze bird in flight

A sneaky little silver monkey pendant with moonstone

chains and branches in progress, new gold jewelry and new glam earrings

2010-09-22T11:12:00.003-05:00

I'm making a point of showing more in-progress photos for my artwork, and for creative activities in our home in general. I get so frustrated seeing mass-produced, or minimal assembly of mass-produced elements, selling online as "handmade". I feel like it's even more important to show the steps that real artists/crafters/ artisans go through to create their work.

Here you can see branch pieces in progress in the upper left hand side. The other three pieces are for necklaces. In 2, I have copper chain cut, waiting for me to make and attach hook style S clasps. In the lower left corner, I am epoxying end caps onto black cotton cord and adding clasps once the epoxy is cured.

From in progress, for blog

When I want mass-produced items, especially cheap mass-produced items, I buy them at the appropriate discount department stores. When I want higher quality mass-produced items, I buy them at the appropriate regional stores, and eventually online. When I want handmade, I search out people who are truly making the work they sell - either online, or in person at the regional craft fairs.

I've added three new items to my online shop.

A necklace with 2 hammered 14k gold rings (approx 7 and 7-1/4 US sizes) on a 16 inch 14k gold necklace. Elegant Simplicity

Teeny tiny 18k gold vine tendrils on 18k gold earwires. These are so lightweight and pretty.

These are your Girl's Night Out earrings, or Holiday Bash earrings- big chunks of faceted rock crystal hanging on silver earwires. Sometimes a girl just needs to have sparkly glitzy fun.
I have a lot more photography to do now so I can add some more items, then back to the branch pieces in the studio.
p.s. Yes, we are still doing our hour of family creative time every day. Right now the focus is on knitting; regular needle knitting for me, finger knitting for the kids, and still a little machine embroidery. Sketchbook doodling is also an acceptable way to fill art time.

Family Creative

2010-09-19T19:21:00.001-05:00

I set aside time for reading each day. The school sends home Saxon Math homework every day. The kids have P.E. at school every day. I think it's time we set aside an hour a day for creative visual arts.

From family creative hours

My son is trying free-motion machine embroidery with his own drawing. My daughter is finger knitting. I'm still working on that hat.

Sewing for the Kids

2010-09-18T09:54:00.003-05:00

My son asked for a detailed Naruto patch to personalize his fall jacket. I purchased one of those, then asked him to think of something I could do with free motion machine embroidery- something that would work with my own artistic style. I know I'm not good at complex geometric shapes that require clean lines and specific sizes. He requested a dragon. I looked at a lot of different pictures, and even a dragon drawing book, for ideas. I thought about my own style with flowing lines and swirls, then came up with a design that would work for me.
I didn't go for full detail or worry about my drawing not being up to par. It doesn't stand alone as a drawing and it doesn't need to. I found a drawing flaw after it was done, but I'm ignoring it!
It does work as a finished patch on my son's jacket. Click on the links below the photo, to go to each photo for more details.

1. dragon patch in progress, 2. dragon in progress, 3. dragon embroidery in progress (2), 4. dragon free-motion embroidery, 5. dragon patch finished, 6. dragon patch finished (2), 7. dragon patch, 8. the finished dragon patch Created with fd's Flickr Toys
He loved it. I got to work on both my drawing and my free-motion embroidery skills. Win Win
It looks as if I treated the dragon body as a scroll, the wing as a leaf, and the crest-style frame as an acorn. That's kinda neat. I guess I approached an unfamiliar topic but putting it in a more familiar framework.

p.s. For now, I use a Brother Project Runway basic sewing machine and a specialized free motion embroidery foot. The machine was inexpensive. The foot was kind of pricey, but not terrible.

Oak leaves, Patina, and Machine Embroidery Progress

2010-09-17T11:53:00.002-05:00

Here's what I've been working on the past few days. On top, you can see the oak leaf leaf sculpture. At the bottom, you can see a dragon machine embroidery piece that I'm working on for one of my kids.

From in progress, for blog

The small leaves that i was patinating- well I took them too far. If certain brass alloys fume in the ammonia too long, they get brittle. I took those smaller leaves to the point where they were breaking apart like tortilla chips. My copper and bronze oak leaf sculpture turned out beautifully.

These copper leaf earrings also turned out gorgeous.

When I work in copper and bronze, the alloys are quite predictable. When I work with brass, it's a little more trial and error, more variety in the alloys from my suppliers I guess.

Blue Patina and Copper Leaves - In progress and new work

2010-09-15T08:31:00.000-05:00

Studio Shots from Tuesday

You can see the green/blue patina, on the leaves. It looks a bit darker this time. I am not sure what makes the blue brighter some times and more subdued other times. You can also see oak leaves and branches getting cleaned up in the pickle pot.

What came of all of this? I put the leaves back in for further bluing. I need to go check on them after I finish this blog entry.

I finished a dramatic and lightweight Oak Leaf Brooch. I used the Midas brand blue-green patina for this brooch, rather than the ammonia fuming pictured in yesterday's blog entry.

A Petite Copper Ivy Leaf Necklace

A Copper Ginkgo Wallpiece or Ornament with loop

Two Copper Ginkgo Sculptures or Wallpieces

I will be starting silver leaves soon, for the gift-giving season. If you have a special request, please let me know.

In Progress Photos from the Studio

2010-09-14T08:22:00.003-05:00

I have this nice camera. I really should use it in the studio more often.

Let me start off with a distraction in the studio, a pile of books that my extended family needs to sort through, from my recently deceased Aunt. I get distracted looking at the books when I walk by the pile. I found this little gem of a book, called Pressed Flowers of Palestine by Smuan Bordus Petrikoff.

It looks to be part of a series of Christian naturalist book, for tourists to the Holy Land. Yes, those are real dried flowers, that have survived in this book. Some of the dates printed in the back of the book say 1901, but the condition of the book and flowers looks too good for that age. I think it's more likely this is a part of a reprinted series, sold for tourists. I would guess 1960s or 70s- pure guesswork. What do you think?

Moving past the pile of books, you see copper and bronze leaf work in progress.

These pieces go into the patina solution next, before the final burnish and sealant.

Tucked up on a shelf, you see this disposable plastic container with stuff hanging in it, earring components fuming over ammonia.

I checked it this morning. The patina doesn't seem to be progressing as quickly as I thought it would. hmmmmmm

Finally, close to the workbench, you see an open drawer full of leaves and branches partly shaped, ready to be fully formed and soldered together.

I'd better get to work on those.