Next up and currently on the “ponder table”, Carla’s stuff! Some very cool textiles including dyed cheesecloth, cowhide and lace edging. The glasses I might snarf for myself.

Only four more days of the Tour and then I’ll be back in the saddle again … the training [...]]]>

Check out the coolio glasses!

Next up and currently on the “ponder table”, Carla’s stuff! Some very cool textiles including dyed cheesecloth, cowhide and lace edging. The glasses I might snarf for myself.

Only four more days of the Tour and then I’ll be back in the saddle again … the training saddle that is, as my knee feels ready to start tackling something other than walking. The last set of shots has taken longer to get over so I’m hoping those ligaments are finally tightened up for good.

Have a bunch of new projects to whet my appetite … an altered shoe show courtesy of Tricia’s Ten Women Gallery and my interest in canvas work has been peaked too. Took this photo of Granddog Figs & Stella hanging out watching the world go by and I can just see it as one of my scenics. Time to haul out the Epson to the studio!

Dog Days of Summer

Anyway. On to Teri’s stuff!

A few years ago [...]]]> … apparently. As the days start to heat up, I head to the studio which provides a bit of respite until 4 o’clock or so when EVERYWHERE just pulsates. Been hearing the tree frogs whine earlier and earlier each day. Dog days of summer indeed!

Anyway. On to Teri’s stuff!

A few years ago I did a collaboration with Deryn Mentock. She asked me to create an assemblage that would hold a necklace she’d created based on the theme Valley of the Bones. I loved the idea and indeed, enjoyed the finished product (you can see it here).  As I kept pondering Teri’s objects, I was divided. I definitely wanted to incorporate that glass rod … swoon… but my initial idea of a piece of jewelry couldn’t fathom its weight. Then it occurred to me … assemblage AND jewelry. In doing so, I had to use a few key pieces of my own, but I’m pretty pleased how they both turned out. You be the judge!

Boxed angel

Necklace

Assemblage & Necklace

Judah and Teri, these will be sent out this week sometime! On to Carla’s stuff…

Assemblage Challenge - Teri's Stuff

Teri’s stuff came so lovingly wrapped …

Teri's stuff lovingly wrapped

… and is a very interesting mixture of things she’s picked up on the streets, in the parking lot, on the beach (I think because one of the pieces was filled [...]]]> Currently on my “ponder” table:

Assemblage Challenge - Teri's Stuff

Teri’s stuff came so lovingly wrapped …

Teri's stuff lovingly wrapped

… and is a very interesting mixture of things she’s picked up on the streets, in the parking lot, on the beach (I think because one of the pieces was filled w/sand!) … concrete marked w/cross hatching, rubber circles, smooth pebbles, wee toys … the detritus that we overlook as we make our way through our days.

It’s going to be an interesting challenge to create something cohesive, something to honour … commemorate … these treasures. I’m waffling between standard assemblage and a piece of jewelry. Teri, do you have a preference??

In case you’re interested I’m also posting a better photo of Cynjon/Judah’s finished piece below.

Some of the unsold work that has been at The Flying Pig was returned to me, so I’m adding them to etsy. I figured, Why Not?!? But if you see [...]]]> So there have been earthquakes in Ottawa, tornadoes in Midland and Jen is in the studio. Yes dear readers, the end IS nigh!!

Some of the unsold work that has been at The Flying Pig was returned to me, so I’m adding them to etsy. I figured, Why Not?!? But if you see something you like and for whatever reason don’t want to go through etsy but want that piece, lemme know and we can work out a deal!

Long-timers may recognize some of the mixed media pieces from artsomofo way  back when – 2007? 2008? Ack! Can’t remember. A favourite of mine, if for no other reason than its title makes me smile “Sometimes A Frog Prince Is Just A Frog”, with the central metal piece dating back to when I did Stephanie Lee’s book project by project.

Sometimes a frog prince is just a frog - detail

And. AND! I finished Cynjon … Judah mea culpa Mr. Man! …’s assemblage challenge (hide your eyes if you want to stay surprised). I know. I can’t quite believe it either. Here’s the finished piece … a rather HORRIBLE photo but ’twill have to suffice for the time being.

Assemblage Challenge - Cynjon/Judah

Teri, your “parts” are being pondered on the table … can you BELIEVE it?!? I know. Me either!!

ETA: A MUCH better photo of Cynjon/Judah’s finished piece:

Assemblage Challenge - Cynjon/Judah's Finished

And here’s the finished piece:

Now on to work on Cynjon’s:

This necklace has been sitting in front of me staring me in the face since my last post (oh! second to last post!).  I knew I wanted to add a “head” to the bottom and I had one picked out  but I couldn’t figure out how I was going to attach it. (it [...]]]>

This necklace has been sitting in front of me staring me in the face since my last post (oh! second to last post!).  I knew I wanted to add a “head” to the bottom and I had one picked out  but I couldn’t figure out how I was going to attach it. (it didn’t have any usable holes)

Out to the studio and found one of these frozen charlottes … I’ve actually made plaster casts of this wee one but wanted the aged look – not that I can’t age the plaster ones but well, I just wanted to use an original! … it already has holes at both arm & leg locations so it was simple to add wire.

I wanted the attachment to be clean – and the original head would’ve required more (besides I want to create a wire cage for her so she’ll have to wait for another incarnation!) – so a simple circle of flattened copper suited this baby well.

The copper mesh ribbon was a nice addition, I thought!

Something about the top still didn’t sit right. The transition from neckline to the flat of the razor felt …erm… uninspired. So I added a couple of chains w/some dangles for movement and interest.

I’m playing w/backgrounds for finished works. Can you help me? Which do you prefer? Wood or quilt? And do you like to see necklaces worn?

I’ve been bitten by the jewelry bug. Ironic given the only piece I wear is my …very plain… wedding ring. But there is something about creating sculptural pieces that go beyond being simply decorative. Generally I think people feel more of a connection with what they wear than what they put up in [...]]]>

I’ve been bitten by the jewelry bug. Ironic given the only piece I wear is my …very plain… wedding ring. But there is something about creating sculptural pieces that go beyond being simply decorative. Generally I think people feel more of a connection with what they wear than what they put up in their homes. How about you?

In that vein, I’ve been trawling flickr (is there nothing flickr can’t do?!?) for inspiration. Oh! What wonders people are creating. I’ve developed some major creative crushes on a few artists … Amanda Scrivener . experimetal . Madelyn Smoak. Can I just say? *swoon*

It was Amanda’s Sweeney Todd jewelry that got me thinking about a straight razor I’ve had kicking around. Although, frankly, I don’t have the stomach to expose the blade. *shudder* So for mine, I’ve “locked” it via the lower jump ring.

I think it needs a second string above the razor and I’m pretty sure a head of some sort will be added to the bottom.

What I realize as I continue on this ‘new-to-me’ path is how specific our materials are. Much of what I’ve accumulated for assemblage is all but useless for jewelry. But. I’m trying to re-purpose what I have in an effort to keep the accumulation bug at bay. For example, I have virtually no beads and I’m desperately trying to resist the impulse to Buy! Buy! Buy! Ha. We’ll see how long THAT lasts, huh?!?