Look who's strutting their stuff!

by our very own Staci Louise Smith! Staci says about this piece: Glass bead was a gift from Genea of Genea beads. I wanted to wear it right away- it was so sweet of her to think of me and choose this awesome bead for me. I thought the bronze donut complimented it nicely, adding more of that ancient feel to it. I pulled out the purples in the bead using sari silk and garnet. I love it and everytime I wear it I think of what a sweet gesture it was to recieve this bead and our friendship.

Our next piece comes from David Curoe and David says about this piece: This piece was made using a computer program that takes an image, applies relief based on contrast, then produces a set of instructions for a different program to use that controls a CNC milling machine to cut the shape out of wax. This wax is then cast with the lost wax method to produce a rough silver piece. This pendant took about 90 minutes for the machine to carve the wax form. The wax was cast to sterling silver and I cleaned and polished it up. My intention was to create a wood texture but I have been told that this piece looks like a scene from space (galaxies) or watermarks.
Are you ready to strut your stuff?? Check out the sidebar for directions, and the EXCELLENT prizes for this month. **Remember, to give a description of your thought process, while creating your jewelry or beads/components. We really want everyone to share their creative thinking. And a description is necessary to be in the prize running.** Thanks, as always, for creating and supporting "handmade".

Special Work....

Custom work is not my favorite thing to do. Especially for relatives and acquaintances. I'm not sure what it is about it that makes me extremely anxious. It has been my experience, in doing commissioned pieces be they art or jewelry, that many folks think because you paint or make jewelry, you are comfortable working in whatever style they wish the piece to be. What starts out as someone expressing interest in a custom piece, can quickly turn into someone asking for materials, styles, or techniques that you don't even use.

Recently, I was asked by a family friend and member of the church that I went to growing up, if I would consider making a bracelet for his wife, to celebrate their 40th anniversary. He was also the leader of our youth group and my Sunday School teacher for many years. Part of me cringed inside, because I knew I didn't have the heart to say,  "No."

I had little direction and what direction I did have, was followed by, "I know she'll love whatever you make."

No pressure, right?

I wanted something to infer the relevance of the gift, since it was their 40th anniversary but I didn't want to put both dates or "40th anniversary" That seemed too overt.

So, after much thought, I decided to put the date in Roman Numerals on the front and he provided a special quote for the back, from their favorite song.

Time was of the essence as part of the time that I would have to work on it, I expected to be out of town, so it was a very quick turnaround. Even now, as I write this, I haven't heard whether he is fond of what I made.

I included a line from a song that was important to them.

I cut and pieced the handle of a sterling souvenir spoon from the state where they live. I'd been saving this spoon for something very special and it worked out perfectly! It also enables the wearer to wear it this side out since it functions much as a cuff.

How do you feel about doing custom work?


Is it something that brings you much anxiety or do you handle it with ease?