Alorinna Designs

Oh right, I have a blog!

2009-07-27T10:17:00.001-07:00

Just thought I'd dust it off and try blogging every day for at least a week.

This week I am trying a vegan diet. Combined with having 75 food sensitivities on my ALCAT results, this could be challenging. I am at the point where I can start rotating in those items that are mild sensitivity (like corn) but I can only have them every 4 days.

I had avoided kale like the plague all my life because I just remembered it as being horribly bitter. I bought a cookbook the other day - You won't believe it's vegan! and tried a miso maple syrup salad dressing. Cane sugar, beet sugar and aspartame are all on my list, so I'm trying to avoid all of those if possible. This dressing is a bit on the sweet side, but I found that it is fantastic on raw kale. I actually like kale! :)

I went with an unimaginative beans and rice for lunch today. I'm thinking baked tofu and kale salad for dinner. :)

Cate

I made the front page of Etsy and didn't know it :)

2009-05-06T05:16:00.001-07:00

I just found a screenshot of the front page on Earth Day.

That's so cool! The ring shown here uses a cabochon from the lovely Tara at Combustion Glassworks.

Of clay and puppies

2009-04-28T05:08:00.000-07:00

Okay, it has been way too long since I posted :)

I have moved into a new area with my jewelry. The biggest thing I hate about metalsmithing is the lack of solid, permanent color. I can enamel, but honestly, it's not really what I want. I want to be able to really play. So I moved into porcelain. Right now I have a few earrings in my collection, and am working on larger pendants and making porcelain pieces that can be integrated into my metalwork.

My yard is filled with red clay. My puppy Diefenbaker just adores getting muddy, so it was just so right to name my new shop after her - dirtypuppy.etsy.com.

Now, if only I could get the Caldera to stop throwing error messages and actually work. Apparently Paragon tried a new design and quickly discovered it was a mistake. I am the recipient of one of those kilns. It's been limping along for about 2 weeks now, requiring extensive resetting to clear error messages and failing firings. Maybe someday I can get them to actually fix the problem. In the meantime, I am now facing clearing the TCL error yet again when I get home.

Meet Gaea

2009-01-08T16:53:00.000-08:00

I'll be glad when we get Claire's photography studio set back up and she's better. My picture taking isn't the best!

This beauty is made of a face cabochon (handcrafted by Dottie Hoeschen) mounted on a sterling silver back. The sterling has been pierced and copper wire threaded through and styled as hair. The hair is kinetic and moves slightly.

She tends to a row of small kinetic garnet and rainbow moonstone "flowers" that dangle gently on a sterling shelf below her.

Apatite and rainbow moonstone are woven into a flower crown on her head.

She is available here on 1000 Markets.

New toys!

2008-12-25T17:35:00.000-08:00

I had a great Christmas. Besides the obvious reasons, I had a great day playing with my new toys - a book about bookbinding and toys to practice with! I tried some mockups with cardstock and regular paper and then made a coptic book using strathmore drawing paper and one of my postcards as the cover. I can't wait to sketch on the way to work!

I need a paper cutter - I can't cut by hand very well. LOL

Practice longstitch book (cardstock and printer paper)

Coptic stitch - cardstock, my postcard, and strathmore paper

New Ring!

2008-12-10T19:35:00.001-08:00

I received some awesome, funky glass cabochons made by Tara at Combustion Glass Works. Tara made up some custom colors for me, and I when I received them in the mail I simply had to stop everything and make a ring.

This is the first ring of several from her glass stones. I told her that I didn't need round cabs, so she sent me some funky, organic looking ones in the batch too. It was one of these I made first. Let me know what you think!

Cate

Contest! Free stuff!

2008-11-26T11:36:00.000-08:00

I'm running a contest on Etsy!

Any pair of earrings or a sterling silver keychain in my shop goes to the killer of this thread!

The thread must be dormant for 24 hours after your last post to be declared DEAD. :)

While you're at it, come and join me on Artfire - where sellers have instant stats and sale tools available to them - http://tinyurl.com/64hcos

Have fun playing!

Cate

I'm now on Artfire and 1000 Markets

2008-11-24T12:59:00.000-08:00

I have decided to focus on two new sites and move away from Etsy. I have a new shop at 1000 Markets and at my Artfire site. Come stop by and check it out!

These are great for geeks and nerds and gamers alike. Let your favorite Dungeons and Dragons, World of Warcraft, Warhammer or other gamer show off their affiliation with this keyring! I can help you decide what to put on it, just let me know what game they play and what type of character. I plan to have these at next year's Dragon*Con!

Yes We Did!

2008-11-05T05:49:00.000-08:00

Congrats, President-Elect Obama! What a wonderful night, seeing history being made.

I know you'll be pretty busy, but I hope you will please work on equal rights for the LGBT community during your term. It would be nice to at least allow same sex partners to have the right to visit ailing soulmates in the hospital, to be allowed to file taxes with equality and dignity, and be afforded the same rights as all the OTHER Americans.

:)

May God bless you and keep you and your family safe and sound.

Cate

"Gas Crisis" in Atlanta

2008-10-01T11:27:00.001-07:00

I have to say that right now, I am very happy that when we bought our new house in Gwinnett County that mass transit options were a major consideration. Because I researched my transit options and made sure to move within 5 miles of my choice, I actually have limped along for 2 weeks on a tank of gas, missing the drama completely.

While it does mean that I can't really commiserate with my coworkers as they tell their tales of hour long lines only to have the gas run dry, it does mean I get to gloat a bit. My coworkers no longer brag that they drive to work while I ride MARTA and have to put up with aggressive panhandlers.

While it is true, MARTA is plagued by some issues, I still chose it rather than driving. The panhandlers *are* aggressive, the cars do sometimes smell strongly of beer or urine, and the crowding was getting intolerable in the rush hour commutes. I no longer ride MARTA, and I have to say that the georgia XPress bus service is much nicer. But still, had I not moved, I'd still be riding MARTA.

I have been taking the Georgia XPress bus service for two weeks now, and while it is nice, I do think they need to add another bus. In the morning, between 5 and 15 people are forced to stand on the bus while travelling on I-85. As a former firefighter, this just really bothers me. I've attended too many accident scenes with ejections to be comfortable with this.

However, I do still think it's a better option for me than driving in the middle of all the crazy drivers in the regular lanes. The HOV (carpool) lane is pretty quick and lacks the drama that the weaving, speeding, crazed drivers in the regular lanes create.

When I rode MARTA, I signed up for the Commuter Rewards program at http://batma.org. If you haven't ridden public transit for a while, the Commuter Rewards program by the Clean Air Campaign will pay you $3 a day for taking public transportation for a 3 month period. Even after that, if you log your commute you are eligible for drawings for $25 Target gift cards.

So for all of you that are thinking of taking public transit, I can tell you that I'm very happy doing it. It is quite relaxing to let someone else do the driving. I love to read, so I have 30 minutes in the morning and 45 minutes in the afternoon to kick back and transition into and out of the work mode. My stress level is much better since I started doing this.

Dragon*Con

2008-09-03T11:32:00.001-07:00

How I miss you already Dragon*Con. I can see why people buy eternal memberships. I know I'm seriously hooked.

Although the majority of my time was stuck behind an artist's bazaar table, I did get to go to a couple of sessions on writing, got to say hello to Dean Haglund (who I spoke with about the geekiness of ham radio, crystal radio etc before the con), and got to see Abney Park's show. I love these guys. If they ever need a mechanic on the HMS Ophelia, I'm there ;)

DragonCon Time!!!!

2008-08-28T06:15:00.001-07:00

After work today I'll be heading over to help set up the artist bazaar table that Brian Gibney and I share, and set up our space in the art gallery. We're bringing loads of amazing stuff. Brian's work is astounding, and thankfully he's had a lot more time to create than I had. I'm bringing about 100 photo-etched stat pendants, and some one of a kind type pendants, a few rings, and some "Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons" photo-etched copper cuffs.

I kind of wish my first year at DragonCon I hadn't done an artist bazaar table, because I'm now chained to it all during the con. But, I'm sure I'll still have fun! Come by and see us and say hi - our table will say Amalgam Arts Atlanta, I'll be the redhead that didn't have time for a costume.

Necronomicon '08

2008-07-24T10:46:00.000-07:00

I have decided to add the Necronomicon convention to my list of shows. They're having it in my home town, but I won't be able to attend. This will be my first experience as a mail-in artist. I really like their choice of charities, Kids and Canines and Francis House. I'm an ex-K9 handler and I just can't say no to supporting AIDS research and victims, so I'm really happy to know that any sales will have a commission donated to them. :)

Cate

More new work for Dragon*Con

2008-07-22T18:20:00.000-07:00

Forgive the picture, Claire had the night off :)

This is a collection of some pendants I finished tonight. 'Peace' and 'Goth.' are larger pendants, measuring 1.5" x 1" while a more modest collection of the "stats" line are about 3/4" x 7/8". These are all copper sheet, photo-etched, cut, drilled, riveted with sterling silver tubing, oxidized with liver of sulfur and hand rubbed to give contrast. These are finished off with a coat of microcrystalline wax to help keep the patina perfect.

These stat pendants are +20 AGI, +12 STR, +12 DEX, +12 WIS, for D&D and WoW fans alike.

I'll be making their actual leather cords this weeks, so I'll post another shot once they're done.

Cate

Dragon*Con projects

2008-07-17T19:17:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd share two works in progress. Both of these are destined to be necklaces.

First is Carpe DM (Seize the Dungeon Master to the non D&D crowd):

This is made from copper sheet, photo-etched, oxidized and polished. Two holes were drilled and sterling silver tubing used to form rivets.

Next up is "From the flames" - a brass pendant:

Brass sheet was photo-etched, then colored with a flame to produce the appearance of smoke. The dragon itself was then polished back to a bright brass.

I'll be posting updates as these and other Dragon*Con projects progress. Look for me in the gallery and at my artist's bazaar table next to the gallery if you attend DC this year :)

Cate

Jen-i-mals - wonderful cards for people that love animals

2008-07-10T05:45:00.000-07:00

I'd love to introduce you to a great little card shop owned by artist Jennifer Rose-Segrest. I adore her artwork. It's so whimsical and adorable, and as a vegetarian and die-hard animal lover, it's right up my alley. As a member of the Etsy for Animals street team, she's pretty devoted to animal welfare as well. Can't ask for a better combination than that!

Here are some of her really adorable cards:

If you buy $10 worth of cards, she'll even ship for free. Why buy cards from a card store when you can really say you care with these fun cards?

She keeps a blog here: www.jenrosesegrest.blogspot.com, stop by and say hi to her :)

Cate

Help the animals of the Iowa flood

2008-06-27T11:13:00.000-07:00

It's awful to read of devastation on the news. It's so easy to remove ourselves from the reality of the aftermath though. Many artists have banded together to help raise money for the Kirkwood Foundation Friends of the Animals Shelter.

To read more about the issue, and the charity, go here.

Over 200 items are up for auction, including a pair of my earrings. Won't you come bid and help the animals?

The following are artists that have contributed:

5th Avenue Bath Co.

7 Indigo Designs

Alicia's Creations

Alorinna

auryndesign

Balboa Cafe (San Francisco)

Bangerang Bake Shop

Bauble Bath

Beaded Hemp

Because I'm the Princess...That's Why!

Benny and Heidi

Blue Whimsy

Bovine Bubbles and Hogwash

Bright Blessings Candles

Cakebread Cellars

Cards and Jewelry by Michele

Care to Bead

Charmed by Skye

Charmed Jewelry

Chunky Butt Candle & Bath Company

Clay 'n' Fiber

Cleanse Your Soul

Cocoa Pink

Crafts by Alice

Crater Lake Company

DaisyWares

Doctor Sweet Tooth

Donna Pellegata, Artist

Erin Garrison Designs

Ever the Same Treasures

Fantasy Bath

Fashion Slave

Flying Needle Gallery

Frillz

Frog's Leap Winery

Giant Dog Publishing

gingercatpress

Gourmet Homemade

Grafik Expressions

HoT Scent Boutique

High Strung Beads, Etc.

hoppingdeer knits

Ivy Keep

Jennifer Perez Designs

jennykeithhughes

Jcollander Mosaics

Julphia Soapworks

Just Right Candles

Kay's K9s

kzm Facial Care Boutique

Lancerika Fine Art Reproductions

Lindsay Kristine

LOL Candles

LolaLynn

Lucie Theroux Wildlife Art

Lush Cosmetics

LynnAddison

Midnight Rabbits

Mixology Makeup

Mosaica Beadworks

Ms. Kitty Fantastico

NanjoDogz

owlbot

Pampertini

Possets Perfumes

Precious Links

PurrPrints

Rescue Me Tugz

Rounder Records

Saphoros Spa Essentials

SBS Teas

Schramsberg Vineyards

SNucci Designs

Soap Silly

Sol Sisters Handmade Originals

Starring...! Fragrances

Sugar Hill Records

Sweet Sunshine Soaps

Tackyhandmade

The Rustic Home

The Sweet Spot

This is It! Creations

Toys by Nature

Tval Skincare

Under the Bodhi Tree Designs

What a Girl Wants... Jewelry

Woobie Bath

Wylde Ivy

Wyrding Studios

66 Days to Dragon*Con!

2008-06-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited! I have a whole batch of unisex pendants and bracelets on my bench.

This is Draco. I'm working on the chain for him now. Although you can't really see in this picture, he is hand stamped with "Meddle Not." - from the "meddle not in the affairs of dragons" I'm incorporating into several pieces. The bezel that holds the eye is stamped with "DRACO".

A glass eye is set in sterling silver and riveted together onto brass and faux bone.

Better pictures soon!

Introducing one of my new rings

2008-05-16T06:38:00.000-07:00

So, at the beginning of this year I had decided to follow my inner style and just trust my inner artist. It's been a little tough, because I know that normal stuff sells. However, I have been rewarded, not only in people loving (and buying) the things that really are ME, but because I find that the more I follow this path the more inspired I become.

I had sketched out a series of 10 ring designs. I wanted to do more of a cold connection feel, because it just really fun to do the precise planning and make it work out. Soldering is easy enough - just make sure you use hard, medium, easy and extra easy in that order, but cold connecting you really have to measure and plan to an extent that I just don't feel with normal band and stone rings. Of course, there is great skill involved in good torch work (like my friend Bob at Jewelry24seven does), but it doesn't speak to my inner geek quite like fabricating with cold connects.

So, here is the first (that I have photographed) of my new rings.

Sterling silver distressed shank and base, copper hammered circle and lampwork bead are put together and riveted. The ring is then dipped in liver of sulfur and lightly buffed to leave the really cool detail work. A very primitive, organic look with an edge.

This ring was made to the CD of Pink Floyd's The Wall, in case you're curious.

I Love Glass

2008-05-15T06:04:00.001-07:00

Meet Tara at CombustionGlassworks.Etsy.Com

All of her work is thoroughly cooled, or annealed, in her Phoenix studio ensuring a strong & durable piece.

This pendant is lovely. Two gorgeous shades of green Dichroic glass, one forest and one candy apple, lay on a lime green background. I wish I liked wine - because Tara makes some beautiful stoppers!

Stop by and see her :)

Another ring workshop is coming up

2008-05-13T10:35:00.000-07:00

Sunday the 18th Brian Gibney of Amalgam Arts Atlanta will be leading a ring workshop and an earring workshop.

For $30 ($35 with a bezeled stone) you can make your own ring from sheet metal or wire. Brian will take you through the steps of prepping, measuring, soldering, and finishing your ring.

Three full hours of instruction and materials are included. For just $35.

Yes, he's on crack apparently. Take advantage of him, and tell him I sent you :)

http://www.amalgamartsatlanta.com/calendar.php

Meet Annaliese

2008-05-12T08:06:00.001-07:00

This is my newest art pendant. She took me several hours to make, but she's been in my head for 3 weeks. I found the cabochon at the Etsy shop facetoface.

Faux Bone was distressed and colored, drilled and riveted. The copper sheet was hand cut, bezeled, and meticulously hand stamped. The chain is copper rollo and is adorned with some green chalk turquoise. I thought about doing this one in silver but the warmth of copper just won me over again.

43,000 Medically undeployable troops are deployed.

2008-05-08T06:45:00.000-07:00

http://www.usatoday.com/news/military/2008-05-07-nondeploy_N.htm

I'm not surprised. I believe it completely. Want to know why?

Our daughter is one of them.

She has to take painkillers constantly for a damaged hip. They have told her that they can't fix it and that she'll need to probably have the hip replaced.

She's 19.

Add to that the griefing she received at the hands of an officer over there who made her do a specific type of squat *TARGETING* the injured area to *toughen* her up. Thankfully, after a few days, someone intervened.

I hope that people become incensed about this and force a change. They've told our daughter she'll get disability when she's out. If they know it's that bad, why is she deployed?

Thanks for listening to my rant.

Revolution Money Exchange - RME

2008-05-02T13:15:00.000-07:00

I have started accepting payment via RME, and I have to say, so far I like it. They are a bank, so they do require a SS# for 9-11 verification, but I'm okay with that. After all, PayPal has it too. I've done my research, and RME is backed by some pretty heavy firepower, so I think it might give PayPal a run for their money.

I do have a bank account that I have hooked to RME and PayPal. Having no fees is a nice bonus, although I'm sure the 'no fees' bit won't be around forever. Having used it for several transactions, I have to say I am very pleased with it and plan to keep it. I've transferred money without any problem. The system is fast and easy to use so far.

It's quite easy to send and receive money with RME. The only really big differences (well, besides the FEES right now) is that you must accept incoming money and you must use a pin in addition to signing in to send money. I like that extra step of security.

Mention you saw this on my blog and pay with RME and I'll give you free domestic shipping.

Click here to sign up. It's worth it! I like grass root advertising funding where the money goes directly to customers rather than billboards :D

The Most Amazing Art Dolls

2008-05-01T07:10:00.000-07:00

I hate dolls. I really do. Wouldn't own one even if you paid me... until I discovered Dawn Alice.

Wow.

That's all I can say. As someone heavily into fantasy areas (I'm going to DragonCon, after all!), I am smitten by these.

Take a look for yourself. All images link to the page where you can see more views of it, so please click and see the detail. All images copyright Dawn Alice Rogers and used by permission.

Pazia

Renwick