make, make, make

So, I survived summer school. Actually, I survived school from January 3rd to July 29th with two weeks of break time in there somewhere (not back to back). That's a lot of school. I'm not going to say that it's harder than working, but it's different. I spent many evenings and weekends and early mornings and other odd hours doing school related work, and someday I hope to have a job that doesn't require that of me. It's fulfilling, that's true, but sometimes that doesn't take away the difficulty. At least now I have a few weeks "off" to make, make, make. My thesis work is creeping up on me, so I'm taking this time of making seriously!

This braid is a sneak peak at a site-specific fibers installation + photo shoot I am planning for at the end of this week. More details later, but for now, it's a secret!

These tiny flowers came from the garden, and are being preserved in acid-free self-laminating pouches, then used in my jewelry making class. Since I don't have the tools to cut and drill through glass, this will work for now.

branching out

This summer, I decided to branch out of the university setting a little and take an art class at a community arts center downtown. It has been really fun! My friend Alex is taking the class with me, which is beginning metal jewelry making.

Here I am sanding my current project, which is a slot and tab necklace.

It was going to be a bracelet, but I wanted to make very small scalloped pieces, and since I only have three hours a week to use the tools to work on it, the progress has been a little slow. I'm going to add a chain on the sides to make it into a necklace, so that I can move on to other projects, because the class only meets for eight weeks.

Here is Alex's slot and tab bracelet. She just finished it! The shape is inspired by peacock feathers, and she added a blue/black patina to bring out small details which she drypoint etched into the surface.

I'm excited about my next project, where I'll learn to make rivets! I'm going to make a pendant for a necklace, which will involve not only metal, but layers of fabric and tiny dried flowers (either cilantro flowers or dill flowers, I haven't decided yet if I want white or yellow!). I am looking forward to including fabric in the work, especially.