Hammer Copper Spiral Sun on an Enamel Background Pendant Necklace

Two weeks ago I created this piece. It is a hand sawn, hand hammered, saw pierced, copper sun attached to a disc by melting the sea green enamel to such a temperature that the copper sun sinks into the melted enamel. More images and this description can be viewed at: http://www.restringit.etsy.com

Enamel is the background for this hand hammered copper spiral sun pendant. A hammered copper spiral sun rests on an enameled disc that measures 1 1/4" in diameter. The enameled pendant hangs from an 18" black cord. The background for the spiral sun is greenish blue. The reverse side of the disc has been counter enameled with the same greenish blue color.

Hot Saw Pierced Copper Enamel Ivy Leaf Pendant

It's hot in Tucson, really hot, 106 degrees. This is the time of year that our "cabin fever" sets in. It's really not that bad if you stay indoors. You feel the heat as you exit a building and until the AC in your car cools things off, but it's all very tolerable. However, outdoor activities are not only extremely unpleasant, but unsafe.

Today I saw pierced a 1 3/4" copper ivy leaf with veins and enameled it with peppermint green enamel. I love it! Just need to add a chain or cord and will be listing it soon in my Etsy shop, http://www.restringit.etsy.com/. Both side have been enameled with the same peppermint color enamel and the pendant can be worn either concavely or convexly.

Beauty in My Backyard

I have a very little yard in the desert and when I retired almost 4 years ago (wow the time has flown) I decided I’d garden that little bit of land. Well I’m still gardening but not very well. I’ve learned how beautiful plants are when they go to seed and I’m filled with adoration for the little things in life that before I just took for granted. I can “smell the roses” everyday now (not really, I’m allergic and rid my yard of those due to extremes issues with that particular flower) but the awe I have experienced in just the simplest things right in my yard has been so wonderful.
Today I photographed the onions and just love them. I have captured them in 4 different stages, which makes my photos somewhat educational. I hope to recreate them in someway in my jewelry. I will toss these images around in my head until hopefully an idea is sparked. The ideas don’t always work out the way I image but the pleasure I derive from this process is so utterly fantastic.
I am truly a VERY lucky person and I am savoring every moment.
Life is good!

A Spring Outdoor Arts and Craft Fair

I will be displaying my jewelry at a benefit for the Lend A Hand Senior Outreach Program on Saturday, March 19, 2011 from 9-4. Location: Northminster Presbyterian Church, 2450 E. Ft. Lowell at Tucson Blvd.
It is the same weekend as the 4th Ave. Street Fair but one can avoid the crowds and parking hassle by attending this craft event that features local artists and crafters. Hope to see you there!

Dillinger Days Festival 2011 in downtown Tucson

It was a beautiful day in Tucson! The Dillinger Days event featured vintage cars, a 1935 fire truck, people dressed in time period apparel, chili cheese dogs (the best my daughter ever ate), and crafts from local crafters. A neigboring booth paricipant, that had wooden roses, and the actor playing John Dillinger are shown in the photo at this sunny event. The event is free and if you've never been, my daughter thoroughly enjoyed the reenactment of the capture of John Dillinger. History in live street theater, perfect for everyone! Add it to your list for late January 2012.

Dillinger Days Festival 2011 in downtown Tucson

I'll be attending the craft show in downtown Tucson Saturday, Jan. 22nd. The weather looks like it will be nearly perfect, you know the kind everyone wants for Jan. 22nd. The forecast says sunny and a high of 70 degrees.
Aside from the craft show, there will be reenactments of the events that led to the capture of John Dillinger throughout the day, vintage cars, time period music, and food from 9:30AM to 5PM. Parking is free downtown on the weekends.
The location of this event is at the Historic Train Depot in Tucson on Toole Ave. across from the Hotel Congress.

Happy New Year

Here we are at 1/1/11, Happy New Year! Starting anew or starting over, making resolutions, it's all intended for a fresh beginning and here's hoping every one's new year is everything they hope it will be.
How time passes and how things change and it seems it's all about being able to transition with the changes. Being flexible is what allows us to survive and survive more intact.
Hoping the new year brings good health, financial security, and lots of creativity!
Take good care of yourselves,
Wendy