With the first 2 shows complete, I’m now preparing for Three Rivers Art Fair in Pittsburgh. Last weekend at Chautauqua Wawasee was lovely. Perfect weather, talented neighbors, and a friendly crowd all made for a splendid day.
I’m loving the mesh panels as I get better at setting them up. They give me more versatility and space to display. I’ll have even more work to show at Three Rivers June 5-9!
To make these rings, I start out with copper pipe. I cut out cross-sections and formed the pipe to shape, convex or concave. I stamp designs into some of them.
I’ve been wanting these for so many years. I special ordered them from FiveFoxes to fit my old Cavallin rolling mill.
After all the measuring, planning, and agonizing, the new pattern rollers arrived in the mail. Much faster than I expected and in perfect condition. I was ready to roll, or so I thought. Most of them were too small to fit on my mill! Luckily, I know a little bit about metal working. I resolved to modify them to fit.
The measurements were all correct, even a bit larger than I ordered. That meant all they needed was just a fraction of a hair’s breadth removed with some abrasive, and I would be embossing wire with beautiful patterns.
My humble Foredom saved the day. After diligent and tedious sanding, I was able to use the rollers. I can’t wait to make some new rings!
In a normal March, I’d be preparing for another summer of art fairs. That seems like a different world already. I’m wrapping my head around this new reality of Covid-19 while I make earrings in my studio. I have my dog for company. I get that feeling of accomplishment as I finish pieces. And I think about how to reinvent myself in response to these new times. I’ll be posting what I come up with as time goes on!
In the mean time, here is a new pair of sterling silver earrings. They are asymmetrical. I’m having so much fun making earrings that are unique yet harmonious with each other. Satisfaction in the face of uncertainty. I hammered the silver shapes and polished them. I’ve chosen baroque lapis lazuli gemstone beads to compliment the silver, securing them with decorative wire knots. I made the ear wires myself. I hope to make the most of this time of solitude and push new creative boundaries. For now, I’m liking these new earrings.
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