Sweet Heart

Brass with sterling silver beauty mark

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Back to the studio

This morning, the alarm went off at 6:15am and as I rolled out of bed thinking about the day ahead, I smiled. I've made a conscious effort to go to the studio every day this week and it feels great. It's strange, and at the same time a relief to have so much time to devote to something that I get completely lost in. My day began with an hour of hot yoga, halfway through which, I thought I was going to pass out. Note to self: drink more water next time. I finished the session, mentally pushing through, feeling refreshed and relaxed.

I have a list of projects that I want to complete and so far, so good. Today, I finish the baby bird ring, a pair of earrings that will pair with the apple necklace and if there is time, I begin on the hearts.  I'm creating several very simple sets - it's probably a reflection on how I am living these days...the pieces are uncomplicated, modest and clean.

It's a sunny, crisp day in Brooklyn and I'm off to the studio...

Apples & Butterflies

Two new projects just finished today...



The apple was hand sawn & sanded for a matte finish.

The brass butterfly was hand sawn & etched using saltwater (my nod to saving the environment). A patina was added to enhance the design on the pendant & chain.

A peek into the creative process

This week's project ...

...Starting with the initial sketch that I scribble into my sketchbook. This will eventually be a pair of etched, riveted earrings. This project was inspired by a recent visit to the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

And on to the fabrication... I used rubber cement to attach the pattern onto the metal. These were entirely hand sawn.

Next, comes the etching. I use a saltH2O etcher because I do it at home. It's much safer than the chemical alternative and works well for copper and brass. I'm still struggling with getting it to work on silver. Because of this, I did the etching on brass, which will be riveted as the back of the earrings.





Here is a view of the front & back. I'll eventually drill holes where you see the sharpie dots and add a pop of color to the center before I rivet them closed. I'm still trying to determine how to make the earwire...stay tuned for the finished product.

A Little Birdie Told Me...

Hot off the solder station...just made today