What I’m Working On: What is that wood???

Whenever we do a show, the Flame Box Elder pieces always get more attention than anything made of Walnut, Cherry, Poplar or anything else. This wood is a mystery. According to the website Hobbit House: 

 "Flame" (or "flamed", or sometimes "candy", or sometimes "red") box elder refers to the wood after it has been affected by a process that has been the subject of both some scholarly investigation and some debate. … The process is described variously as one or the other or both of two separate possible causes. The first cause is any form of stress, such as a bug attack, wire wrapped around a tree, something (a fence post or another tree) pushing up against the tree, or long-term bending stress caused by wind or heavy snow. The second cause is a fungus, brought into the tree by a bug attack.

We are able to get Flame Box Elder from a few sources, and every time we do, we’re astounded by nature’s glory. Turning this wood is the ultimate fun for a wood-turner, since we never know what the result will be. 

Here are just a few examples of pieces we’ve turned. All of the pieces shown here have been simply treated with oil and wax that does not affect the color!  

A small bowl 

 A serving bowl

An Ice Cream Scoop

written by Marcia of Wood Art for Living

What I'm Working On- For Pet Parents by Heavens to Bessie

Custom work can be so much fun! I was contacted recently by a super fantastic lady, to create a necklace for her that incorporated both the paw and snout of her pup on a necklace. I have done paw prints for a bit now but I have never done a snout, and I so love doing things I have never done before.

Next thing you know the paw/snout necklace was created and shipped off to the other coast. My client was really happy with her necklace and to be honest, it was my favorite thing I had made in quite sometime.

The Snout necklace has found it's way into my shop now and can be hand stamped with a name or date. Take a look!

written by Sara of Heaven's to Bessie 

What I'm Working On - Open Eyes Press

I definitely got inspired over the summer to add some color to my print collection. My new Can series has bold hues, but still remains true to the graphic print style I love so much. The designs are available in 11x14 prints, and blank note cards (which are also great for framing!).

Written by Rachael Kondylas from Open Eyes Press

What I'm Working On - Block Party Press

I've making lots of new goodies this summer.  Here are some of my newest jewelry pieces.  Nature has definitely been an inspiration and things are turning more rustic as we head towards Fall:

There are much different things cropping up in my print shop. Animals, cuteness and love are prime themes and the colors are bright and fun.
 

I'm currently running "Back to School" Sales in both shops! 20% off in the jewelry shop (use code: B2S2012 at checkout) and Buy One Get One Free in the Print Shop. See the shop announcements in each shop for the details of each sale.

What I've Been Working On: Sugar Paperie

Introducing the Eco-Chic Collection!  After many years of saving (ahem...hoarding) paper scraps, I've finally put them to good use.  Cards from this collection are created from reclaimed envelope liners and other fun paper scraps.  

 Perfect for your favorite teacher...

 ...or sailor.

Check out my shop for more new work!

Written by Sugar Paperie.

What I've Been Working On: Heavens to Bessie

A few times a year I go on supply buying trips. I always manage to purchase something a bit quirky. Sometimes these things get used in work immediately and sometimes they sit, waiting for the perfect moment to inspire me. It was over a year ago that I purchased a few strands of bright colored skulls. I had NO idea what I was going to do with them. So they sat. Just a few weeks ago I went on a buying trip and picked up more skulls. These were tiny and as I love things in miniature, naturally I had to have them too.

When I got home, I pulled the ones out that I had bought the year prior and I laid them all on my desk and then went about my business. My thought was if I stared at them long enough, eventually I would figure out what to do with them. And then one day I did.

Though out college, little lithe bodies had found their way into my art work. I used them in a few paintings but by the time graduation rolled around I had sketch books full of them. I could just never seem to leave dance behind entirely.

My idea was always to use them in jewelry and somehow I only made that happen once. I decided to change that! I have been adding my old sketches to these funky skulls and have been having a blast in the studio ever since. I name each one because they really have their own personalities...well that and I am a freak.

 https://www.etsy.com/listing/104158893/the-trapeze-artist-sterling-silver

https://www.etsy.com/listing/104158893/the-trapeze-artist-sterling-silver

 https://www.etsy.com/listing/104312245/tiny-turquoise-skull-necklace-jewelry

All of these pieces are now available in my shop. At this rate, there will be plenty more, and soon!

What I Am Working On - Kelly Sapp

It is no secret that I loved octopuses.  I do.  I love to give each octopus a story and a personality.  It's fun for me to sit around and doodle various themed cephalopods when I have nothing else to do (which is rare being a mother who travels for conventions). Recently I decided to expand my brand into some cool reversible jewelry and zipper pouches which are now available in my Etsy store.

Written By: Kelly of  Kelly's Keychains

What I'm Working On - Susan Brandt

A Recent Commission

A gentleman, after buying a couple of my scarves at the Women's Industrial Exchange, called me and wondered if he could commission something special for friend of his. The trouble was, it was so different from my other work, he wasn't sure I could do it. His friend had just completed her Biology degree and during her studies they had both seen a animated video illustrating cellular functions. Could I pull some of those images and paint them onto a scarf? "Of course", I said.

He showed me the video, called The Inner Life of the Cell, by XVIVO for Harvard University. I was completely blown away by this amazing video. The gentleman knew what all the processes were and explained it all to me. Fortunately I didn't have to understand it all to be able to paint it! He told me what images his friend had particularly liked and I got to work. Here are the results. His friend loved her scarf and I enjoyed it so much I may have found another direction to take my work.

Written by Susan Brandt

What I'm Working On: Kitchen Tools

Early on, when all we had was a mini-lathe, Norm turned some ice cream scoops and pizza cutters for us to use, and to give as gifts to family and friends. We use our ice cream scoops every day (someone loves his ice cream!) and love the feel and look of using a real wood scoop.

Two years and two lathes later, we've decided to sell them on our Etsy shop and at craft shows (see below), and we've expanded the line beyond ice cream scoops and pizza cutters. We discovered a source for cheese planes and for really elegant, solid salad servers and have added both of them for sale as well.

We use a variety of woods for all of the implements, and the shapes of the handles vary as well, to accommodate different size hands. Here are some examples.


A brass ice cream scoop with a Cocobolo wood handle


A pizza cutter with a Honey Locust wood handle


A salad server set of East Indian Rosewood

Turning these is quite a change from the clocks and bowls that we've done before. It is fun to see people picking them up at shows, and we know that they will be enjoyed by the people buying them, or, this time of year, the people that they're giving them to as presents.

Submitted by Marcia Dresner at Wood Art for Living

What I'm Working on: Heaven to Bessie

I got a commission a week or so ago for a sterling silver feather pendant. I was very excited because I love working with my saw. It seems the more detail needed to be cut the better for me. I did however find myself at that scary midway point where I was afraid to proceed. I loved the basic cut out but more detail was wanted so I hesitantly began after many drawings. I have to say, I am pretty happy with the results!

By Sara of Heavens to Bessie

What I'm Working On: Tarabu

Hexie Attack!

I've succumbed to the paper-piecing bug. If the impending zombie virus is Z101, then the paper-piecing virus must be P1212, because it's about twelve times worse! I've turned into one of those people you see with snippets of thread on the hem of her sweater pulling out a bag of fabric bits and thread and scissors every time there's a chance to sit for more than five minutes. It's kind of ridiculous, but it's also vitally necessary if I'm going to get this done.

I've started with a massive stack of basted hexagon squares.

So far I have three strings stitched together. Eventually I'll have ten columns stitched up and will begin finagling them into a finished top.

It's already taken forever and I'm having serious doubts about having it finished by the December holidays, this year anyway.

Written by Tara of Tarabu.

What I'm Working On: Block Party Press

The theme in my studio right now is size does matter and bigger is better. I've been working on some larger statement pieces lately and I'm loving it! They take a lot more time to make, but with the larger size, I'm able to include so much more detail. Most of my new pieces have been inspired by nature, and are sure to get you some attention.

"Driftwood" Necklace

"Light as a Feather" Necklace

"Strut Your Stuff" Necklace

Go big or go home!

What I'm Working On: Van Wagoner Studios

This past weekend I swung into production mode in the studio working a marathon 48 hours. I'm getting ready for the holidays and having a lot of fun with the clay.


My work is built primarily with slabs and embellished with unique photographic images. This most recent work gets away from the simplicity of a platter or the ease of a small bowl. These forms are geometric puzzles put together with many small stiff slabs of clay. Each one cut and fitted to the last until a closed shape is created.


Each form is inspired by the vernacular architecture which will be printed on it's surface. They are primarily sculptural, though each has a hole (or two) in the top and could serve as a vase–very appropriate for dried wildflowers found in the field. The vases pictured above are in-progress awaiting their barn image.

What I'm Working On: Element 120

I'm always out and about taking new photos for our Alphabet Photography name frames and you can imagine some of the very confused looks I get when I'm kneeling on the ground taking pictures of cracks in the sidewalk to get a new "K" photo! So, its been nice this past month taking photos of numbers instead, although no doubt people may still think I'm a tourist making a very strange photo album. The most exciting part of our latest frame design is that you can add your own photograph to create an even more personalized result. I'm so in love with this new product, I already have my own hanging on the wall.

11 x 14 Sepia Birth Announcement

11 x 14 Black & White Wedding

Our Alphabet Photography Name Frames have been a hit this year for wedding presents and I have been thrilled to be a part of so many special gifts. Inspired by all the wedding love, we created this Wedding Guest Book, which combines the concept of the traditional name frame with generous matting surrounding the print for guests' best wishes!

Written by Jen Connolly at Element 120

What I'm Working On: Zebrink Studio

Since taking the big step of leaving my former partnership and starting my own business (and Etsy shop!), I've been searching for the right direction to take, looking for the perfect things to make. I think I've found what I'm looking for, and I'm excited to premiere my garden-inspired jewelry line at Zebrink Studio.

Flower Brooches by Zebrink Studio

With polymer clay and swarovski crystal, I'm creating my own fantastic garden. I'm loving exploring the dimensionality of real flowers and adding touches of whimsy and sparkle. I hope you'll like them, too!

What I'm Working On: Fiorella Jewelry

I know it sounds weird and maybe a little obnoxious to be thinking of holiday merchandise now. Recently, however, in one of their marketing emails to sellers, Etsy recommended getting holiday items up now since they and other merchandisers start planning holiday pages in the summer. This gave me a bit of a brain wave. I have seen the lovely wedding corsages made from vintage brooches, and had thought of trying my hand at one of those. But then it occurred to me to try to make a wreath.
Now I am working on a silver wreath. Those brooches are harder to find, but when it's done I hope it will be beautiful. Anyway, I made a couple necklaces, some pins, a ring and a belt buckle so far. Since we have a new baby in our extended family this year I hope Christmas will be more special than ever.

Written by Clare of Fiorella Jewelry

What I'm Working On: Sugar Paperie

Introducing sweet little journals, perfect for notes, to-do's, and daydreams:

Vintage Modern Ribbon Lined Journal

Preppy Scottie Dog Unlined Notebook

Preppy & Pink Lined Journal

Written by Sugar Paperie.

What I'm Working On: All Wired Up Jewelry Designs

Hopefully, many of the items I am working on will be found in my shop very soon!

My big news this month is that I finally bought a kiln so I could do more work in Precious Metal Clay - having the kiln should make my life a lot easier and I should get a much more consistent product. In order to create with metal clay, many people use templates, stamps, texture plates. Some sculpt and hand carve every piece. I love making molds with Sculpey Clay. I see a cool leaf, a sea shell or even a twig, I mold it- never know when it might come in handy . I also love to use leftover clay from filing and just dry pieces that inevitably appear. I make a slip with the dry particles and then coat real leaves from my garden which I will then fire to create jewelry.

I also have a series of pendants that have been on the bench way too long waiting for me to have a day to decide how I want to finish each one and put the finishing touches on. The series will all have a different textured back plate to complement the stone and or the design of the final project. For starters I chose a pear shaped labradorite decorated with trim that I think makes it look like a birds tail feathers. So my plan is to oxidize the back plate, the dangle some oxidized chains from a hole I will drill in the bottom center feather then add some tiny moonstone, labradorite and aquamarine briolettes to make a really interesting pendant.

I always seem to be doing something with flush set (aka gypsy set) gemstones lately. Since I've learned how to do it, I feel like I need to keep doing it so I don't forget how! Silly I know, but practice makes perfect.

I hope you've enjoyed seeing a little piece of what's on my bench- there's always something in some stage or another of being created and I love being able to walk to the bench and say- who wants to be finished today? He who squeaks me, me me- gets picked!

What I'm Working On: Whoop

I don't just like beads, I love them. Over the past year I've realized I love fiber too! This past month I've been experimenting with combining the two -- creating asymmetrical necklaces with silk and cotton yo-yo flowers and vintage rosary-style beads.


Hope you love them as much as I do!

Written by Dana of Whoop