simple studio journal

New Blog!

2009-06-15T08:07:00.001-05:00

Please visit my new blog:

www.frivoli-tea.blogspot.com

Hope to see you over at the new spot!

What I Have Been Up To

2009-06-10T18:34:00.001-05:00

Check out my new website for:

Frivoli-tea, Supplies for the Artful Journey.

Interview with Louise McClure of Sabi Jewelry

2009-05-10T08:30:00.004-05:00

What type of jewelry do you make? For example, what media do you work with? What are your favorite media to work with?
My work seldom fits into a neat and tidy category. "Narrative, wearable sculpture" describes it best. It begins with the belief that all things, even common, throw-away bits, have value and beauty. Cast off glass and plastic, paper, wood and metal mingle with semi-precious stones and silver like the blending of individual voices into a concert of the whole. I don't have a favorite material or media. I enjoy the process of discovering the characteristics of various elements when exposed to heat, water, salt, pressure. Keep an open mind and embrace the "what happens if I try this..."

How did you get started in jewelry-making?
It started as a challenge, to prove that I could do something that I had never tried. It evolved into a quest to learn new terminology and techniques, try new tools, experiment with time-tested materials and push the boundaries.

What other places did you learn jewelry-making techniques?
I have been very fortunate along my creative journey to learn from some amazing artists! Workshops are an invaluable source of inspiration and an opportunity to share creative energy.
One of the first workshop series I attended was at Bead & Button (Milwaukee) with Susan Lenart Kazmer. Susan has the most amazing color sense and playful approach to materials.
I first learned of Robert Ebendorf at a retrospective of his work at the Renwick Gallery in DC. A few months later, I took a workshop with him at Pocosin Arts. Bob is truly a leader in the studio jewelry movement. His work challenges the concept of what is precious. He combines traditional goldsmithing techniques with unconventional materials to refashion the discarded into amazing jewelry assemblages.

I understand that you live in the sleepy town of Saluda, NC. What brought you to Saluda or what does Saluda have to offer to an artist like you?
It was one of those chance discoveries that in an instant, change your life! I was living at the Outer Banks with all the wind and water thinking..."what was I thinking!" I had taught workshops at Chevron Trading Post in Asheville and loved the area. My search for a place to settle involved a systematic search of the MLS real estate listings for about two years via the internet. I also took the more random, what if approach...driving around, seemingly aimlessly. Both methods came together in a sort of big-bang, Ah-Ha moment when I discovered Saluda and Random Arts, Jane Powell's mixed media artist's mecca.

You mentioned that you are working on a book with Lark Books. What is the focus of your book and when will it be published? Do you have a title yet?
It is still very much in the development stage. Sort of a how-to adventure guide on creating your own personalized jewelry with a message. Mixed-media...found objects...re-purposed materials...conventional materials all combined in an unconventional manner to create narrative, wearable sculpture. Tentative date for publication is in the Fall of 2011...providing we have a title by then!

I know that you teach workshops. I imagine that you must enjoy teaching. Could you tell us what draws you to teaching?
I love sharing ideas and techniques. The group dynamic is an amazing way for us to combine our personal experiences, to re-energize and explore new ways of thinking and doing. Sometimes I think I learn more from the students than I impart!

Could you tell us about your involvement with Asheville's Arts for Life organization?
Arts for Life (http://www.aflnc.org/) is a non-profit organization improving the lives and healthcare experiences of children and adolescents by teaching patients visual art, creative writing, and music. Each day, Arts for Life teachers direct art stations and lead art lessons for patients battling cancer and other serious illnesses. I am one of many committed teachers providing arts instruction to kids within Mission Hospital here in Asheville. We also have chapters in Charlotte, Winston/Salem and Durham, our members and volunteers strive to create many healing moments for patients and their families.

Thanks Louise! It was great to hear all about you and your jewelry-making.

Shrink Plastic Leaf Necklace

2009-04-20T11:11:00.004-05:00

In creating this, I was inspired by the shrink plastic pieces of jewelry artist, Louise McClure.

I used the cricut machine to cut out the leaf shapes. It did not cut shrink plastic very well, but it did score it deeply enough that I was able to tear out the leaf shapes.

Susanne Fincher in Asheville!

2009-04-18T17:09:00.004-05:00

my mandala from today's workshop: Peacock Feathers

Today I attended a mandala workshop with Susanne Fincher. She has written several books on mandalas and has another in the works. The upcoming publication will talk a bit about making mandalas with found objects. That sounds fascinating to me. For the most part, today's workshop (which was co-hosted by MAHEC and the Asheville Jung Center) was attended by art therapists, therapists, social workers, counselors and others who work in helping professions. I don't fall into any of those categories. I come at it from an arts background, but found it worthwhile nonetheless. Susanne did an excellent job and I highly recommend studying with her if you ever have the opportunity.

Michael Demeng "Mad Alchemist's Cabinet"

2009-04-14T17:16:00.005-05:00

Here above is Michael DeMeng's "Mad Alchemist's Cabinet." Cool, huh? Click on the picture to see a larger picture and to appreciate the detail in this work.

Here above is the humble printer's tray that we each will start with in creating our own "Mad Alchemist's Cabinets." And here below are a few of my embellishments.

I am getting ready for Michael DeMeng's workshop at Random Arts in Saluda, NC, the "Mad Alchemist's Cabinet." This is just the tip of the iceburg of stuff I will be taking with me.
Let me know if you will be there and I will be on the lookout for you!

A few books that I think would be excellent preparation for this workshop are:

Secrets of Rusty Things: Transforming Found Objects into Art by Michael DeMeng
Altered Curiosities: Assemblage Techniques and Projects by Jane Ann Wynn
The Altered Object: Techniques, Projects, Inspiration by Terry Taylor

Can you suggest other books along these lines?

Collage Lesson with Ginger Heubner

2009-04-08T15:01:00.004-05:00

I just had a collage lesson with Asheville artist, Ginger Heubner. What fun and I learned so much! Here is the collage I built up following our lesson. I call it "Reptilian Brain."

Heidi Darr Hope to teach in Asheville!

2009-03-31T08:14:00.004-05:00

Who: Heidi Darr-Hope, mfa

What: Dream Amulets & Shrines – an all day retreat

When: Saturday, July 11, 10:00 - 5:00

Where: Asbury United Methodist Church,
171 Beaverdam Road, Asheville

Why: To Create a personal altar for contemplation, for gathering strength, and for renewing one's soul and spirit.

We are intuitively drawn to objects in our environment - feathers, flowers, bones, sea shells, broken glass, rusted metal... These things hold subtle, symbolic references to our personal lives. By learning to understand the language of these "teachers", we begin to experience powerfully uplifting and insightful forces that surround us each and every day.

Our day will open with the reading of a dream. Through a discussion of this dream, we will learn the practice of unearthing symbols embedded within it, allowing us to tap into the symbolic, poetic side of the brain, creativity's home. This lively dialog will release insightful stories, archetypal myths. Even in the absence of dream recall, everyone will benefit in the unraveling of the dream as we view all dreams as gifts from the unconscious to our entire dream community.
After reflecting of the meaning behind the found objects we are drawn to, we will create small amulets and talismans to visually relate their spiritual significance. Small boxes will be transformed into personal shrines using mixed media techniques such as collage, painting and mosaics. These embellished shrines will become mystical containers to hold the timeless wisdom harvested from nature and our dreams.

Cost: $195 includes all art supplies. No refunds after July 10, 2009.

To Bring: Please bring your lunch, dream journal, and any objects – rocks, seeds, bones, feathers, seashells, beads, old jewelry… that hold special memories or power for you. They must fit in the palm of your hand. We will provide snacks and drinks.

For Further information and to Register contact:
frivolitea@yahoo.com

Workshops with Heidi Darr-Hope

2009-03-30T18:21:00.003-05:00

These works are from two wonderful workshops that I took with Heidi Darr-Hope in Columbia, South Carolina. Above is my work from the Dream Mandalas workshop. Below is my work from the Collage Illuminations workshop.

These workshops were so powerful. I recommend them to anyone who can get him or herself to Columbia!

Taking a Break

2008-12-28T18:40:00.002-05:00

Dear Friends,

I will be taking a break from blogging well into the new year. I have come to realize that I need to be very intentional in how I spend my time, and blogging, fun though it is, eats away precious minutes. I need to exercise, read, and simply contemplate the world in a slower, more focused way.

If I come back to Simple Studio Journal, I will email all of you my dear friendly readers.

Affectionately,

Frivolitea

Volunteer

2008-12-28T05:32:00.002-05:00

A friend gave me this Anne Taintor magnet as part of my Christmas gift. I burst out laughing when I opened it because it is so "me." I just love it. Tooo funny!

Green Chic

2008-12-28T05:25:00.004-05:00

I received this book as a Christmas gift and just finished reading it. It is a fun and informative guide to being "green." Christie Matheson writes in an entertaining style, so the book is a quick, engaging read. Being very practical and moderate in her suggestions, she makes it seem possible for anyone to incorporate green practices and products into their life. I highly recommend this book.

Note: I was particularly taken by the recycled plastic toothbrushes and razors made by Preserve.

Christmas Jewelry

2008-12-24T14:45:00.005-05:00

Detail above.

My family and I are spending a quiet day at home today. I recently re-read the latest issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry and an article by Deryn Mentock inspired me to try making some wrapped beads. So I spent some time today at home working on that project. (Take a look at Deryn's blog, Something Sublime, to see some fabulous examples of wrapped beads.) I decided to work with the red, green, and white color scheme. And I used copper, rather than the steel wire. I am happy with the way these beads turned out, so I fashioned them into a pair of earrings and a necklace that I might wear tomorrow to celebrate Christmas.

Fine Arts League of the Carolinas Christmas

2008-12-23T13:26:00.004-05:00

Above: Etching by Marie Fairbanks after Albrecht Durer's Cherub.

These beautiful etchings were done by students at the Fine Arts League of the Carolinas. The one at the top is the image features on the organization's Holiday Card for this year. The image on the bottom is an original etching that is a gift to me in thanks for my volunteer service to the organization. I feel fortunate to be associated with such a talented and hard-working group of artists.

Spool Christmas Tree

2008-12-23T10:41:00.002-05:00

I saw an idea similar to this over at Craftzine. I knew I just had to try it myself. This is a small Christmas tree made from silver pipe cleaners. To start, I wrapped a pipe cleaner around a bamboo skewer. This gave me a sturdy trunk on which to build the limbs of the tree. I then stood the little tree up in a thread spool which I decorated with papers.

Oh, I do love Christmas crafting.

Christmas Dinner

2008-12-22T10:28:00.003-05:00

We are having a Christmas dinner party at our home this evening. I have had such fun setting the table and preparing "place cards." As you see here, I am using pears wrapped in ribbon and tied with twine. The names are written on leaf-shaped paper cuts. In coming up with this idea, I was inspired by a Martha Stewart place card holder which consisted of a clementine wrapped with parchment paper. I decided to tweak that idea a bit for my table.

All my best wishes to you all and have a lovely, Merry Christmas!

Rustic Place Card Holders

2008-12-19T12:15:00.003-05:00

Here are a couple of ideas for rustic place card holders. I used florist wire to bind together twigs in two different ways. This type of place card holder might work well for rustic, country-Christmas decor, or maybe for Father's Day. It would really work well with any decor that emphasizes natural elements.

Place Card Holder Workshop

2008-12-17T14:59:00.006-05:00

I am working on the instruction booklet that I will give out at the place card holder workshop. This is a rough draft, but here is my table of contents as it now stands:

Altered Forks and Corks
Vase-like Containers
Bottles and Snowglobes
Picture Frames
Altering the Traditional Tent Card
Interesting Objects
Twig Constructions

Place Card Holders with Corks

2008-12-17T14:41:00.004-05:00

All of us who enjoy entertaining do alot of it at this time of year. So, in advance of the place card workshop I will be teaching in January, I am going to introduce a few more place card holder ideas. Above, you see a classic taken directly from Danny Seo. He featured this one on his blog and on the cover of his book about throwing green parties.

This idea here I created myself, I think. At least I do not remember seeing it anywhere before.

As you can see this place card holder is made with two corks that are glued together. We all, well most of us, have lots of corks lying around in drawers and baskets. Why not put them to use with a cute project such as this?

Family Christmas Ornament, Another Version

2008-12-13T10:07:00.002-05:00

Here is another version of the family-name-filled ornament. (First version, below) For this one, I printed the names larger. I did not cut apart the strips of paper on which the names are printed, and I put less filler around the names. I don't know which one I like better. What do you think?

Silver Christmas Ornaments

2008-12-13T07:45:00.003-05:00

I collected a few of these silver Christmas ornaments back when my husband and I were first married. I found the first three at a garage sale for a reasonable price! I think they are lovely and over the years my husband and I have added a few new ornaments to the collection. At some point, I found this 1980 book by Clara Johnson Scroggins, Silver Christmas Ornaments: A Collector's Guide. When searching for this book on Amazon just now, I noticed that Ms. Scroggins updated this collector's guide in 1998.

Family Christmas Ornament, Another View

2008-12-12T16:57:00.003-05:00

Well, it looks better already. This is just a different view which shows the holly and hearts mixed in with the names. I think I like it now.

Family Christmas Ornament

2008-12-12T16:11:00.003-05:00

I have seen these clear ornaments filled with all sorts of different things. I filled this one with the names of all of my immediate family printed on vellum along with some holly leaves in green and red hearts. I also put in white snowflakes and the words "love" and "family" printed on vellum. I think the idea is a wonderful one. I am not completely satisfied with the result, but I will play around with this some more and post what I come up with. This is the first try.

Gingerbread Houses

2008-12-11T14:20:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, our family went over to the Grove Park Inn to view their fabulous gingerbread house competition. (Sorry, no photos.) We usually wait later in December to go, and thus miss the grand prize winners who have been flown off to New York City to appear on Good Morning America. But this year we were fortunate and saw the all of the winners (I think.) All of the houses were impressive - even those who did not win a prize.

This visit to the Gingerbread House Competition got me thinking about this sweet treat I associate with Christmastime. So I did a little searching online and turned up some good sources of information about the history of gingerbread and gingerbread houses. For a good overview, take a look at Ginny Pilarz's website. Here is an excerpt from her site. I found it particularly interesting since it talks about the development of the gingerbread house tradition in North America:

Lebkuchen are made throughout Germany and large pieces of lebkuchen are used to build Hexenhaeusle ("witches' houses," from the fairy tale Hansel and Gretel, also called Lebkuchenhaeusel and Knusperhaeuschen ‹ "houses for nibbling at").
During the nineteenth century, gingerbread was both modernized and
romanticized. When the Grimm brothers collected volumes of German fairy tales
they found one about Hansel and Gretel, two children who, abandoned in the woods
by destitute parents, discovered a house made of bread, cake and candies. By the
end of the century the composer Englebert Humperdink wrote an opera about the
boy and the girl and the gingerbread house.

At Christmas, gingerbread makes its most impressive appearance. The German practice of making lebkuchen houses never caught on in Britain in the same way as it did in North America, and it is here still that the most extraordinary creations are found. Elaborate Victorian houses, heavy with candies and sugar icicles, vie in competition with the Hansel and Gretel houses, more richly decorated and ornamented than most children could imagine in their wildest dreams.

Christmas Table

2008-12-08T09:15:00.002-05:00

Here is my dining table decorated for Christmas. I spread glass pebbles all over the red table runner and also put them in the bottom of my centerpiece. The centerpiece is very simple, just red glass balls and frasier fir clippings in a glass bowl. Oh, I love the Christmas season and Christmas colors.