the flying trapeze

little studies

2010-06-30T06:19:00.000-07:00

Over the past few months and again now that I have a bit more time, I've been working on some studies for a series I want to start.

I am often drawn to and enjoy making small, intimate works using various media.

I love using texture and non-traditional applications in my pieces---

especially repurposed materials.

arcade fire

2010-06-22T15:50:00.000-07:00

I love music. I wouldn't mind learning to play most every instrument there is. Accomplishing this goal will require a lot of work on my part. My own musicianship is limited to my early departure from a 5th grade strings program and some brief experimentation with various instruments---none of which I practiced enough to play even moderately well. I think our "family band" practice ended quite abruptly---and has never been repeated because of my less-than-stellar performance on percussion. I would like to be a multi-talented musician and maybe when I am, my favorite band will invite me to joing them on stage. If you don't know of this delightful group, check them out---they just might end up being your favorite too!

Watch the full episode. See more Austin City Limits.

master gardeners

2010-06-20T05:17:00.000-07:00

We planted a small raised bed this year. If successful gardening could be based solely on enthusiasm, our garden would flourish.

Sam has already mapped out the new raised bed plans he has for our large-scale gardening adventure. My mother-in-law loaned us her beloved copy of:

Now that Sam has read "the manual" cover-to-cover and is convinced that we will be(excuse me, already are) master gardeners, I am trying to figure out what we will do with our great harvest. This inevitably leads to a discussion about canning, freezing and drying. I would like to make it clear that while I am absolutely open to the idea of the hard work that will be required, I am terrified of canning, pressure cookers---who isn't? While there are some valid reasons for my fears, generally they are irrational. I think I am going to need some training/counseling to overcome my them. I am going to look into our local extension agency---occasionally they offer classes on these topics. For now, I am off to find the recipe that my Mama Dietz used to make a delightful freezer soup---tomatoes, corn, ocra, onion, a ton of black pepper. . .

new pendant in the works

2010-06-18T06:15:00.000-07:00

I have been working on this pendant idea for a while now. I have a few challenges to work out with this pendant design but I think I'm a little bit in love with it and will be sending them out to some deserving friends to check out.

The past few months have brought about some clarity regarding some big decisions for me! I am excited about the prospects of a graduate program that I am applying for---hopeful that all will work out so that I can start classes in a couple of months. I am ready for a new challenge in regards to my career. I am not planning to leave teaching, however I want to pursue a degree that will give me a little more flexibility and the opportunity to revisit my own goals as a student. This MLA program is more of an independent, self-guided degree that would allow me to have the autonomy that I enjoy and do some research that I have been wanting to pursue for some time now. I should know within the next couple of months.

I am a little ashamed to admit that I've had a bit of panic after my little "turning 39 freakout" what with having so much left to accomplish and all. I am a bit perturbed by the fact that I am so motivated by a number but the truth is, I've been getting a lot accomplished!

so very, very busy

2009-11-22T12:46:00.000-08:00

It truly seems that I have such little time. I am looking forward to using part of winter break to get organized and be productive. I am currently working on some new things and am excited about having some time to really sit down and work. It usually feels that just when I am getting focused and making progress, I have to redirect my attention. I am working on balancing out my career with my love of making jewelry and most importantly, spending time with my family and friends. I am posting a picture of one of the newest necklaces I've been working on. I think I have to say I love these.

new necklaces

2009-08-11T16:44:00.000-07:00

I just can't help myself---I am so excited about and in love with these new necklaces.

a bit of new jewelry

2009-08-09T13:39:00.000-07:00

Here are a few new things from this weekend---trying to take advantage of my last couple of weeks before school starts back. Truthfully, I am ready to be teaching again. The lack of structure in my days holds a limited amount of motivation for me---I could never do freelance work!

new shopping bags

2009-08-08T16:36:00.000-07:00

I found these reusable shopping bags and their cuteness made me get them!

weekend work

2009-08-02T18:36:00.000-07:00

I am trying to use the last few weeks of my break before returning to school to get a few things made.

new things

2009-07-26T14:25:00.000-07:00

A bit of new jewelry I've been working on.

new pendants

2009-07-15T09:08:00.001-07:00

Inspired by my new dishes. . .

newly made tin pendants

2009-07-05T12:14:00.000-07:00

I spent most of yesterday working in the yard and the weather was splendid. The rain today has given me the chance to work on some new things . . . I've just finished these little layered heart pendants for my shop. I just might end up keeping one for myself!

lovely new dishes

2009-06-30T09:36:00.000-07:00

We needed some more plates so I've been searching--- stumbled upon these and absolutely adore them.

pop-up pendants

2009-06-18T13:25:00.000-07:00

I am so very pleased to have some time to work on some new things, here are a couple!

hello summer

2009-06-16T11:56:00.000-07:00

I am on summer break from teaching. Although teaching is the most important work I do and will ever do, if I didn't have these two months to regain a sense of myself, the world outside of school, I could not do all that I do through the year. Being creative and working on new pieces is my way of indulging in a different kind of work. Here are a few new pieces . . .

so lovely

2009-03-30T16:11:00.001-07:00

i just couldn't resist taking a picture of these blossoms!

saw a little of the sun today

2009-03-29T13:54:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness for a bit of sunshine today. I think it might have been enough to get me through until Spring Break. Can't wait to be in Florida. I had the chance to work on a few necklaces today and only wish I had more time for all the ideas floating about in my head. . .

i accomplished a little today

2009-03-22T17:03:00.000-07:00

I've decided to stop pretending that my life will be quiet enough to accomplish much beyond the demands of work lately. I will have a little extra time this week to work on jewelry and I most certainly want to get some photographs of the lovely blossoms coming out around here. I couldn't be more pleased to see Spring.

pop-up pendants

2009-03-08T19:05:00.000-07:00

i love them so!!!

snow day

2009-03-02T16:16:00.000-08:00

Being at home due to the snowfall most certainly does have its benefits. I was able to get a lot done and enjoyed doing some reading, something I have dearly missed over the past few months. I so much would like to be in a book club again. Years ago, before I moved, I was in the best book club ever. Many of those in it were librarians and we always read the most fantastic books. Even those that ended up being not-so-stellar were still wonderful to read and discuss. I however, am also a fan of what I like to call "easy reading", I think most readers have something they enjoy reading on occasion that will most likely not inspire but simply entertain. For example, one of the things I long for but can't justify on many levels, is my love of magazine subscriptions. . . I love them so! I do keep the magazines from years ago and they are equally as entertaining years later. So, in addition to reading and some much needed organization and cleaning, here are a couple of samples of what I worked on today and because of all the snow, I imagine I will have a full day to work tomorrow as well!

if only

2009-03-01T14:08:00.000-08:00

. . . it would warm up. It's currently snowing and I'm ready to mow the yard, plant some flowers and light the grill. For now working on some pendants will have to do. I could spend some time getting organized because I feel a bit scattered lately---but that's not much fun. After the various sicknesses that have passed our way, it feels like I just can't get centered. Being far too busy in all the wrong ways can make a person long for a vacation.

afternoon work

2009-02-15T13:53:00.000-08:00

time to work on new necklaces

2009-02-04T10:33:00.000-08:00

It was a nice surprise to have a snow day from school. It's given me the chance to work on some new necklace designs that I am so excited about. Here are a couple.

new pendants and local networking

2009-02-01T11:13:00.000-08:00

I am working with some new tins that I found this week and I'm trying out some eyelets on the pendants. I have a few more ideas for these pendants as well and will try to get some work done this week even though it's looking like another hectic week ahead. It appears that some other local etsy crafters are looking into starting a CraftMafia group here. I hope that I will be able to find the time to be active and participate. There is a Church of Craft group that meets here in town and I've yet to have the time to go! I really like the idea of participating in community-based craft organizations, so I've got to figure out how to make the time!

musical weekend and new reversible tin pendants

2009-01-25T11:40:00.000-08:00

What a nice weekend. Yesterday, we had family "band practice". I am currently the drummer, but if my ability to perform doesn't improve, I imagine I will be replaced! Other than general weekend activities and cleaning, I am working with the new tins that I have been hunting down over the past week. In addition to the wooden collage reversible pendants, I'm now doing some in tin!

new necklace, new boots and a favorite hat

2009-01-20T14:38:00.000-08:00

This has been a wonderfully awesome day in so many ways! It feels like there is so much to look forward to. I am inspired, hopeful and content!

Because we finally got a little snow around here, in addition to being able to enjoy every minute of the inagural process, I have had a chance to work on a few things for my shop and do some updates. Thought I would share a few pics; a new necklace I made today, my new boots(which I adore more than a person should adore any object) and a pic of me wearing a favorite hat. Seems like we are getting a little more snow. . .maybe I'll be able to get a bit more done tomorrow!

urban garden necklaces

2009-01-18T11:35:00.000-08:00

I'm starting to think it will never snow again here in WNC so I am calling Spring to come early and these necklaces are a little calling card for warmer weather!

new pieces, a new year and being content

2008-12-31T12:24:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking a lot about all the blogs I visit and how inspiring they are and how

dreadful my blogging, flickring, facebooking, domestic attempts are. The truth is, I am not a perfectionist. . .at all. In fact I am absolutely fine with some things, okay, many things being just ok. I absolutely respect and admire those folks, like my husband, who master so many things and sometimes inspire others to do so. They are neat, tidy, attentive to every detail, accomplished in every thing they do. I've often thought I might be lazy. Recently however, it has come to my attention that as a full-time art teacher and part-time crafter, wife, stepmother, pet-owner, etc., I am spending my free time working on that which inspires, motivates and simply pleases me. I am so totally content. Like so many things, I suppose I wish that I were highly motivated for example, to learn to skillfully cook my favorite Thai dishes, in some ways, nothing would please me more, except maybe exactly what I am doing.

So my goal for this year may be to include in my blog the reality of an average gal wading through the challenges of an everyday life. There will probably not be any delightful recipes or craft tutorials shared but there might be a little bit of comedy in my trials and possible tribulations that I will absolutely be willing to share.

so busy

2008-11-30T07:41:00.000-08:00

What with a new school year, tutoring part-time, trying to keep up with my etsy shop and all the daily tasks that keep one occupied, I've finally found a little time to make some new things and am trying to get some focus. I'm hopeful to keep up!

Terrarium Love

2008-08-25T17:06:00.000-07:00

When I was growing up, my mother had(like so many folks in the 70's) a beautiful terrarium. I'm going to check with her to see if she still has the globe she used. In my mind, that was the most fantastic terrarium that I have ever seen. I am going to make this my fall project. I can't wait. I'm going to do a little research and who knows, I may end up with terrariums all over the house!

around the house

2008-08-05T09:51:00.001-07:00

clearly i am avoiding all the things i need to do before going back to school.

madison county blueberries

2008-07-28T17:18:00.002-07:00

my sister invited me to come to her friend T's family blueberry patch in neighboring Madison County to pick berries today. it was delightful as you can imagine. it made me want to move further out or at least plant some berries somewhere here at home. i felt so relaxed picking those berries. i think i came home with almost two gallons and there were a lot of us there, so you can imagine how many berries there were. if i didn't love the work i do so much, i might consider farming. now, what to do with all these berries?

framed mini collages

2008-07-27T09:11:00.000-07:00

i've been working on some little collages that allow me to explore some ideas i've had while working on some of my jewelry. i really like the intimacy of small pieces. i had a discussion about this with one of the gals at the little home show i went to a couple of weekends ago. i think this is one reason i love wearing/making jewelry is the scale of the work. so i would like to translate some of the things i love about that concept to some collages. i think they will allow me to explore some ideas that don't translate into wearable pieces. although, i imagine the crossover for each will be present, as it always seems to be with whatever i'm doing.

silhouette necklace designs

2008-07-21T15:58:00.001-07:00

i am really excited about these new designs. i am also excited to have a little time to start adding a few more lines in my blog entries. i have been so terribly busy for the past few weeks with workshops, teaching camp, crafting, etc. that i don't feel as though i've even been on summer break. i can hardly believe that i will be back to teaching in just a few weeks and there is so much more i had planned to accomplish!

new silhouette pendant

2008-07-15T07:50:00.001-07:00

sample of a new design i'm working on.

newly made

2008-07-15T05:36:00.001-07:00

just a few reversible pendants i recently finished.

in the garden

2008-07-13T08:04:00.000-07:00

i love my little flower garden.

flower trapeze necklaces

2008-07-10T09:01:00.000-07:00

just finished these to take to show on Saturday!

two-faced necklace

2008-07-07T18:57:00.000-07:00

a new design!

they've worn out their welcome

2008-06-08T13:08:00.000-07:00

though i love them and the fact that they haven't visited in so long, i am ready for them to. . .

newly made

2008-05-26T10:31:00.000-07:00

here are two new little change purses i just finished!

lilac zipper pouch

2008-05-18T11:15:00.000-07:00

i just might have to make one for myself!

busy Saturday

2008-05-17T14:00:00.000-07:00

i've been to the tailgate market, the craft festival and then i got busy and made these!

afternoon errands zipper pouch

2008-05-15T13:52:00.001-07:00

just finished this little zipper pouch!

icebox necklace

2008-05-11T09:22:00.000-07:00

just finished this pretty.

newest zipper purse

2008-05-04T13:41:00.001-07:00

just finished this little pouch. i think it's just the right size to take to the Saturday morning tailgate market or to some yard sales!

new etsy listings

2008-05-03T19:12:00.000-07:00

A few new necklaces for my shop!

newly made

2008-04-20T18:39:00.000-07:00

a few things i've been working on so diligently this weekend!

i want one

2008-04-18T17:18:00.001-07:00

i simply can't stop thinking about this little house after my friend sent this link: http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/ in addition to being a perfect little dwelling, i think it just might make the best studio ever!

past and present pillow

2008-04-12T13:08:00.000-07:00

just finished this today!

unison necklace

2008-04-11T15:44:00.000-07:00

i'm loving the contrast in this newest design!

synthesis necklace

2008-04-04T19:21:00.000-07:00

this little necklace suits me right now. i love using various layers, surfaces and materials in making jewelry. that richness appeals to me. i like to think about how each component reinforces the other. jewelry, necklaces specifically, when successful designs, seem to be a reflection of the individual. they can capture a moment, a feeling, a state of being that a person is in. i like that.

pretty thing

2008-03-31T18:37:00.000-07:00

a new necklace for my shop

I just couldn't resist these shoes!

2008-03-17T16:54:00.000-07:00

new collage necklace

2008-03-16T17:48:00.001-07:00

i just finished this necklace and can't wait to make more using this technique, i'm in love with paper right now!

white ruffle necklace

2008-03-02T16:32:00.001-08:00

i just love this necklace! i listed it today in my etsy shop but will have to make one for myself!

simplicity necklace

2008-02-15T17:21:00.001-08:00

newest necklace added to my shop. i love making jewelry. maybe more than eating or drinking. well, probably not more than drinking but i have a wholelotta of love for the making of the jewelry. i am hoping to take things to a new level and take a couple of classes this summer. it's so hard to choose what to focus on. we have so many resources in asheville for jewelry design. i think i will start first with wax casting!

newest addition

2008-02-10T14:23:00.001-08:00

sadie pin-up

2008-02-08T15:48:00.000-08:00

Check out this button pin! I have been working on them for several months and I think they are so cute. I like to think of them as being an accessory to re-fashion attire. Placed/grouped along the bottom of a skirt, on a hat, or bag. See my etsy shop for more.

starlette trapeze necklace

2008-02-07T18:46:00.000-08:00

My goal is to make jewelry daily for my etsy shop, or at least list something new, blog about it, somehow be productive and set goals for myself, so far, so good. . .

Juliet earrings

2008-02-06T15:52:00.000-08:00

These earrings really make me smile. They are a little urban, sassy and I think they will lead to some other designs with similar materials. I am working on coiling my own wire beads. For some reason there is a sci-fi feel to them for me. Not that I'm into/not into sci-fi, ok, I'm not into sci-fi but when it comes to jewelry, I think that might be a fun concept. I have just opened up a shop on etsy and I am hoping that it will motivate me to work on my own creative aspirations in my limited free time. I think it is a great way to be productive and yet it is flexible and requires no specific time committment.

rosalie necklace

2008-02-03T10:07:00.000-08:00

One of the new necklaces in my etsy shop.