Studio Redo~

Trying to be organized is quite a task. I was becoming over-run with bits of wire, beads, and other such goodies I collect. My magpie qualities were taking over and running me out of work space! Something needed to be done! Well, since giving the sparkly bits up was not an option (I could not find ONE thing that I could part with!), the only thing left to do was organize my work space. Being the tightwad that I am, it was necessary, and challenging, to see how little I could spend while gaining the space and organization that I needed.

Our house was built in 1902, and has the old fashioned setup of a parlour next to the living room. We put this room to good use- it is our computer room, the kids' toys and games are there, and my studio. I love it because I can be working on jewelry and Pudge can be on the computer right near me, and we can still talk. My work table is the remains of our old dining room table that we got for free when we first got married. We bought a new table a several years ago, and this one went into storage in the garage. Pudge has now cut it in half and readjusted the legs, it is now the perfect size for my little corner space. My chair is actually a captain's chair from a semi truck (no, it is not used, I got it new), which is more comfortable than a recliner. I love it! Ah, my new lamp. What can I say about this lamp? My inadequate picture taking abilities do not serve it well. It is a beauty. What began as some metal objects from the local second hand store and some old semi truck parts (can you guess Pudge's line of work yet?) have been transformed, by Pudge, into this beautiful piece of art that is at once both industrial and eccentric.

Who would have thought zip strips and discarded metal pieces could look so good! We had the pegboard in the garage (tightwad here...we don't throw much away!) after a nice coat of white paint and some new pegs, it looks great. I love having all of my tools hanging right in front of me, it is so much easier to be creative when you actually know where your tools are!

And, just in case you were wondering, we did NOT paint the room blue and yellow. It was like that when we bought the house, and we haven't done anything about it yet. What on Earth would posess someone to paint neon yellow over 108 year old oak trim?! It boggles my mind.

I collected the storage boxes and bulletin board over time, while shopping second hand stores and sales, of course. I love my new revamped work space. It is the perfect place to dream up and create new and interesting pieces. I am looking forward to some of my upcoming projects and shows and am glad I have a fresh new space to make it all happen!

Here There Be Dragons!

People and cultures the world over, have tales and legends of powerful, beautiful, winged and fire-breathing creatures. Some live in the water, some in caves, some greedily hoard gems and treasure, and some fall in love with beautiful maidens. Dragons are known to love riddles and conundrums, and are often very highly intelligent, even to the point of being advisors and poets.

One of my favorite dragon stories is that of Jilocasin. He was a dragon who lived during the reign of Charlemagne, and was a very wise and old. Periodically, he liked to take human form and visit the King's court where he was a well-known and respected troubadour. One day while travelling through the forest (in human form), he heard a woman cry for help. Jilocasin changed back to dragon form and defended her against the bandits, then, seeing she was injured, he lifted her onto his back and flew her to his cave. Upon examining her wounds, he discovered a bundle tied close to her body, and inside the bundle was a newborn baby. She explained that she was a widow, fleeing to protect her baby boy from an unscruplous man who had stolen the title and wealth of her deceased husband. Jilocasin offered her protecion and shelter in his home, and the two fell in love. The lady was aware of Jilocasin's true identity, but it did not affect her love for him. They would visit far-off lands together, with her riding on his back as he flew, and they would sing the dragon's songs together. After three years, they were excitedly awaiting the birth of their son, but the lady died in childbirth. Jilocasin was overcome with grief. He raised the two boys without making any distinction between his adopted son and his own, and when they were grown he presented them at court to be armed knights. The two were known as the Knights of the Dragon, and were famous for their nobility and honor. At length, they avenged their mother's death by killing the villian who had stolen their inheritance.

http://www.aquariann.etsy.com/

http://www.deldreamart.etsy.com/

http://www.phenomegnome.etsy.com/

These are a few favorite dragons from some fellow members of the Fantasy Artists team (FAEteam). I got my first dragon statue for my 16th birthday when all my girlfriends were getting expensive jeans and stereos. Since then I have accumilated quite a collection (including one that my brother brought home from Japan for me), and I don't think that collection will ever be complete. There are few things that can stop me dead in my tracks and make my heart skip a beat...dragons do it everytime.

I will leave you with my favorite dragon quote :

"Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup."

And The Winner Is...

The winner of my copper earrings is... Aquariann!!

Thank you so much to everyone who participated! This was so much fun and so successful, that I have more give-aways planned soon!

A Week of Projects

Well, my daughter's birthday has passed, and I have survived the princess birthday party without a drop of rum consumed. There was much giggling, screaming (while being chased by little brother~ "The Dread Pirate Rollins"), princessy sparkles, pink frosted cupcakes, and, of course, presents wrapped with big beautiful bows. It was a great day! The Princess loves her desk, and as promised, here are some pictures~

This is a close-up of the edge of the desk. I decided to keep it simple, and not go crazy painting all types of creatures. I had to do it all in one night, so simplicity was key.

Here is the Princess, complete with fairy wings and antennae, busy working at her new desk. Pudge had some clear plastic that we covered the top with to protect it and I'm glad we did! Within the first day it was covered with paint and glitter glue! She loves it!

Pudge also finished my jewelry tree! It turned out amazingly beautiful (as I knew it would!) I have decided to leave it the brushed silver instead of painting it, but I am going to put a clearcoat on it for protection. It looks beautiful adorning the top of my bookcase, and I think I may seek out a small raven to perch atop it's branches.

Here is a sneak peek at a few new things coming to my Etsy shop, as soon as I have time to list them! I am busy, busy right now...which is great!!!

"Nocturnal" earrings

"The Fairy's Garden" earrings

I am very much looking forward to my birthday this weekend! The kids will be at grandma and grandpa's house, and Pudge and I have a date at our local micro-brewery for jalepeno pretzels and stout beer. Don't forget to enter the earring give-away, which ends this saturday!