Best of Studio Saturday's with Creative Impressions In Clay

Welcome to Studio Saturday! Each week one of our contributors gives you a sneak peek into their studio, creative process or inspirations. We ask a related question of our readers and hope you'll leave comments! As an incentive we offer a free prize each week to bribe you to use that keyboard. The following week we choose a random winner.

This weeks winner is somethingunique Congratulations! You have won a set of beads from Gaea's etsy shop!

Send Gaea an e-mail with your address and she will get it right out to you.

This week we visit the studio of Tari Sasser at 

Creative Impressions In Clay.

Good Saturday Morning! Life is crazy as usual. A little crazier getting ready for a graduation party for my son in a week. Guess who's doing home repairs? OK, me. I haven't been doing much in the studio. Above is my backsplash on a budget. I'm not quite done, it has to be sealed and all the outlet covers need to be put back. 

I used 6"x6" squares of heavy scrapbook paper and Modge Podged them to the wall in a random pattern. It turned out pretty cool and I love it. Bright colors and fun patterns for my kitchen.

These are new designs I created in March for one of my favorite customers, Lucy at the The Cheshire Cat in Montpelier, Vermont. Yes, I love Lucy!
These were for her spring clothing line. Now I have the Birds and Bees and everything is Rosie.

The large rice beads above were originally shown in a Studio Saturday in October. I had a necklace planned for these beads but a different idea came about. The dotted beads were made with loops and attached to the striped bead for a great pattern contrast. A splash of color was added with the anodized aluminum rings. Voila an extra fun pair of dangle earrings.

My question today is:
What have you put on hold while you do something else? 
Or, what would you rather be doing?

Leave a comment answering the question and you could win the 2 Rose Buttons and Bird Button. 
Not in the colors shown but same design.

Feeling Sassy as usual!
Tari Sasser
Creative Impressions In Clay

Studio Saturday with Cindy Gimbrone

Welcome to Studio Saturday! Each week one of our contributors gives you a sneak peek into their studio, creative process or inspirations. We ask a related question of our readers and hope you'll leave comments! As an incentive we offer a free prize each week to bribe you to use that keyboard. The following week we choose a random winner.

The winner this week is Pips! - Congratulations, you have won a copy of Chain and Bead Jewelry! . Email Lynn with your address, and she will send the book out to you.

Welcome to the studio of Cindy Gimbrone!

In the studio, I've usually got several projects going on at the same time. This week is no different. I have categories of projects, learning, reviewing, planning, and in-progress.

The learning project this week is working with 26 gauge wire and a crochet hook. I want to crochet wire and not just chains but crochet wire beads. Learning is about practice, practice, practice but we often we don't mention the frustration, frustration, frustration that comes along with learning a new skill so I work on until I get frustrated. Each time I'm a little better than the last but it's still a messy tangle of wire!

Frustration usually leads me to re-reading or reading and reviewing a new book. This week, it's Hot Connections Jewelry by Jennifer Chin. Reviewing books refreshes me and inspires me to return to my projects.

Since I'm reading a book on metal techniques, it's put me back in the mood to do one of my planning projects. I've had some bracelet blanks sitting on my work table for awhile. They've been staring at me for a couple of weeks. I was struck with inspiration yesterday and started to plan out a necklace. Which means this project has moved into the "in-progress" stage and that's where you've found me today in my Studio. Take a look over my shoulder:

I've planned my design, measured the metal blanks and lined up my stamps. So I've given you a feel for the workflow in my studio. Before I get back to work, I'd like to  hear from you:

What is your workflow like in your studio?  Do you start a project and finish it to the end or do you have a couple of projects laid out and move from one to another?

Leave me a comment and you'll be entered to win one of the stamped metal pendants I'm working on. I look forward to reading your comments!

Best of Studio Saturday: Casting About

Welcome to Studio Saturday! Each week one of our contributors gives you a sneak peek into their studio, creative process or inspirations. We ask a related question of our readers and hope you'll leave comments! As an incentive we offer a free prize each week to bribe you to use that keyboard. The following week we choose a random winner.


Last weeks winner is Marie Cramp! Congratulations! You have won a set of Branch Disk Beads from Humblebeads. Email Heather your mailing address and we will get those right out to you.


This week we're peeking into the studio of Lynn Davis, where metal has taken over the studio in a big new way.


This post first published on June 5, 2009. 


Hi! Welcome to my studio, where I'm embarking on a long-held so dear wish to work with metal, my dream is finally coming true! I've always wanted to work in cast pewter, but didn't have the experience, supplies or equipment. Slowly I gathered them! Now the research and development phase is going on and the results are being tested, but I'm so excited about working with hand cast pewter! I want to show you some of the newest pieces.



Several years ago I traveled to Ireland and saw such beautiful celtic crosses and other iconic designs that I loved. I went in serious search of antique metal jewelry, medallions and medals, but had no luck finding the genuine old ones. I found some Italian style religious medals that I brought back as keepsakes, but I was sad that I didn't find the ones I truly wanted. I had the images in my mind, but I couldn't lay my hands on them then.



I've been studying, researching, testing and playing with casting the pewter, and now finally I'm able to create my own faux replica antiques in beautiful, soft metal with that old, worn look. To my eye some look french or possibly german, but they all have that sweet, old-fashioned feeling and a rustic patina that makes them feel very ancient.



I'm so very, very happy! I can also combine the metal designs with the other faux-tiques I make and get closer to that antique, worn and well-loved look I've been wanting. It's great, and I'm enjoying it so very much. I want to make hair gems, and belt buckles, clasps, ornaments and many more things right away!


Answer this question by posting a comment here, you may be the one chosen to win one a special goodie from Lynn!


Do you have a technique or material you've been longing to try, something you want to learn in 2010?


Post your comments here, do tell, I'm so anxious to hear all your stories!


Posted by dainty metalcaster Lynn Davis who looks oh-so-quaint in her closed-toe shoes, heavy leather apron, long insulated gloves, respirator, safety goggles and headscarf! SCARY CUTE!

Best of Studio Saturday-Countless Blessing

Welcome to Studio Saturday! Each week one of our contributors gives you a sneak peek into their studio, creative process or inspirations. We ask a related question of our readers and hope you'll leave comments! As an incentive we offer a free prize each week to bribe you to use that keyboard. The following week we choose a random winner.

This week's very lucky winner is PeacockFairy! Congratulations! You win 3 Pendants from Melanie's new line, Now Showing. Please send your postal address to the Melanie at Earthenwood!


Originally Posted by Lynn Davis

December 6, 2008
 

Swapping Blessings and Stories on Studio Saturday

Today we're in the studio of Lynn Davis, who just finished a group project of an engaging, exchanging kind!

In this season and time of the year, it's quite easy to get distracted with the 'doing' of things, going places and enjoying events. It's been such a good year for me in so many ways, and challenging in others, that I want to be sure to remember to count my blessings and not let them slip away unnoticed.

So I offered to do a charm / clasp / bead swap even though I've never done it before, and some very talented and lovely people joined in with me.

I want to share the wealth of the art beads and charms created and the beautiful and clever results with you here. The theme was 'Counting Your Blessings' and the swap item could be a clasp, a charm or a bead, but it had to be handmade and in the spirit of the theme. The packaging was as lovely as the beads inside!

These little Humblebeads are from Heather Powers. The colors on the bead are so beautiful and seasonal, and the owl charm seems so knowing and wise. The card says 'Wisdom is the beginning of all blessings. Wear this little owl as a reminder' - isn't that wonderful?

The skeleton key charms with stamped copper tags that say 'HOME' were made by Lorelei Eurto, with a beautiful dangle on each one. They are so tiny and special, a unique remembrance of the warmth and coziness of the hearth and home anytime, but especially at this time of year.

Mary Harding created several different charms and beads, with a natural world theme and such beautiful colors. I was fortunate to see all the unique charms in the swap before they went to their new homes. On my blog I'll put more photos of all the different ones, I don't want to take too much space here. This sneak peek will give you a good idea of the variety and beauty of the swap items.

If you've never done a swap you should give it a try, it's a great way to get to know some people better and make new friends. And oh! the goodies!

It was interesting that many of the swap items used words as well as images to tell the story of counting blessings. These little beads and charms were made by Cristi Clothier. She used the words 'Be Blessed' and number circles, very clever and colorful.


Others used only symbols of blessed icons, these lovely raku hearts were made by Gaea Cannaday. I love the rustic and organic look of them, under the smooth shiny surface glaze. Sometimes blessings do appear rough on the outside but have wonderful things to bring to a life! With a heart icon you can tell your own story, make up your personal meaning. I like that about them.

Another organic, natural world symbol was used by Erin Siegel, in her glazed leaf shapes. As the leaves fall from the trees in the circle of the seasons, we count ourselves fortunate in this world to be able to sense the changes in life. The colors are so glorious and each one so unique, just like real natural world leaves. Just like each one of us, too.


The images used in the art beads and charms weren't coordinated by me in any way, but there were recurring symbols, icons and words. About home. Leaves. Hearts.

These charming houses were made by Lisa Harrington. The colors are harmonious with the other swap items, and the little house shape goes well with Lorelei's key charm and has a similar message. We treasure our family, our homes and hearths, at this season. There's a tiny beautiful butterfly inside, the most colorful and transient creatures in nature, to remind us that time is fleeting. And the dangle under the little house charm with the word 'HOME' on the roof is a tiny puppy dog - the most faithful and entertaining of creatures that share our hearths.

My own charms have some of the same ideas and spirit. I made a fused glass heart connector because the heart connects us all, a leaf charm to show the constancy of change, and a small corked glass vial filled with golden flakes with the words 'GOOD' and 'BLISS', 'PEACE' and 'MERCY' on them.

I want make a single wearable piece like a necklace or charm bracelet that includes everything from the swap, to remind me through all next year to count my blessings daily.

Maybe you count these end of year days using an advent calendar, or celebrate with special family events. Or perhaps there's certain music, a book or tradition that you re-visit every year, to close out the special days every winter as each year wanes away.

In the meantime, here's the question for you to ponder! Reply to this post and you will win a suprise prize!

How do you creatively count your blessings at this time of year? and what special words or symbols remind you of your most treasured memories, events and celebrations? 
Family and friends, home and hearth, traditions and customs across time, boundaries and cultures, share how they influence your ideas and creativity.

Post your answer, share your story, join with us in counting our blessings!