I have found a FANTASTIC new artist who is making handmade components for me!! I am SO thrilled!!
Over the years making jewelry, as I began trying to go ALL handmade, I began forming and hammering out my own metal components. Then I came upon 2 fantastic artists, whose work I just HAD to have, to incorporate into my pieces. Mary Ann Carroll, provided me with incredibly beautiful handmade ceramic beads. Her work created a deep desire in me to make my own beads and pendants. She showed me that I, ME, I could create the beautiful, rustic earthy beads I longed for in my jewelry. (thank you thank you thank you, MsMaryAnn!!!) Shannon LeVart , MissFickleMedia enchanted me with her colorful patinated metal components. They too became a staple in my pieces. I purchased her wonderful, patina Tutorial, and have given it a go... although I don't quite have the patience for it, my FANTASTIC new artist does. And I still have Miss Shannon to back me up, in a pinch.
Then came Painting with Fire by Barbara Lewis. OH the beautiful colors. I was in intrigued for a couple years, and finally bit the bullet and bought her enameling kit. I was so excited the day it was delivered. I set it aside for a rainy day........................................... and the rainy day never came. But THEN......... yep, you guessed it, came along my FANTASTIC new artist to the rescue.
OK... I'll give in. The wonderful new artist is my husband Steve. He has been helping me over the years here and there with the "grunt" work. The antiquing, (oh how I miss the lovely aroma of Liver of Sulphur..NOT) the sanding, the tumbling, loading/unloading the kiln. He decided to try his hand at patina, too... MUCH more patient than I am with it.
After finding himself "retired", he asked one day if I needed help with anything. He was in need of a hobby. I was too busy making jewelry at the time, to really think about it. So I told him about the enameling kit that had been whispering to me from the corner for months, that I just couldn't take time to play with. I handed him the kit, and Barbara's book, and told him to "have fun". BOY has he!!!!
Red enameled copper tubes
With hammered cooper and lovely, wood-kiln fired beads from our own Mary Ann
I SO wish I had more pieces to show you, but alas, I sold them all at my show this past weekend. :o) (I know, I know! I HAVE to start taking more pictures!) This is the ony one left with enameled components. People were all but fighting over them. One piece a lady put on, and several others wanted it. Lucky for her she kept it on until after she paid for it!! :o) I'm so very thankful and proud of my new
FANTASTIC in-house artist!!! I love to get the surprise components to work with, that just "show up" on my work table. And I think he's having a ball!! Just today, he called me at work to let me know all of his new enamel colors and tools had come in.. haha.......... It just makes me smile!
FANTASTIC in-house artist!!! I love to get the surprise components to work with, that just "show up" on my work table. And I think he's having a ball!! Just today, he called me at work to let me know all of his new enamel colors and tools had come in.. haha.......... It just makes me smile!
Steve's work station
Am I a lucky girl, or what?
13 comments:
Kelli, That is awesome! You make quite a team :o) The combination of patina copper, ceramic beads, enameled beads and tubes are endless! I, too, have been having fun with that combo and actually have jewelry in my first gallery. I was asked to be in it which was very flattering! Great job! Steve is a natural!
MaryAnn
that is fabulous - you and mary anne have partners who share that interest... steve's work is great! as is yours, of course...
Thanks ladies! Mary Ann CONGRATS on the gallery!!!!!
You ARE lucky Kelli! But...you already know that. So glad you two are having fun making beautiful jewelry together.
That is wonderful!!!! what a great team, and that enamel is beautiful!!!
Such a wonderful story! Steve's enameled pieces look fantastic with your work. A true partnership. I was fortunate that I was able to take Barbara Lewis' class twice at her St. Petersburg location (actually held in a hair salon before her shop was open).
That is so awesome that your husband took interest in enameling and is now immersing himself in it! His work is beautiful! How lucky for you to have an in house artist. I try getting my husband to join me in design all the time, but he says his help at craft shows is pretty much it (and I am very thankful for that)! You never know though, right!
Whoo hoo! I really felt your passion...and the work is phenomenal!
You are a lucky girl!!!!
OMBeadness..that is SO cute. He leaves sweet nothin's on your workbench...NOW that's love!
You are SO lucky! I have tried unsuccessfully to get someone in my family to try ANYTHING!!! SIGH. No takers. How awesome that your husband has a "new hobby" and is having fun with it.
K- what a great story; and as others have said a great team. . Fiona and I feel we are lucky to be independent in our art and yet have the support of a partner who has a similar artistic aesthetic - and from your photos that seems to be the case with you and Steve. Go well. B
Yes you are a lucky girl! That's awesome. :)
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