Gallery Friday Coming Up

"The world is so full of a number of things, I'm sure we should all be as happy as kings."
Robert Louis Stevenson

Spring is so full of wonderful things that draw my attention away from the studio. The gardens call to me each day to see what new surprise is waiting for me and what weeds need to be pulled before they take over. I have managed to get in a bit of studio time. This Friday is the Artisans' Gallery Friday in downtown Columbia, Tennessee, so there's no time to waste.
Stop by if you are in the area and enjoy some wine, music and great art. This month we are also hosting the Advanced Placement Art Class from Columbia Central High School. There are some very talented students participating. Please help to spread the word.

See you there!

Land and Sea

I just finished refurbishing my herb beds and yesterday, while I was in Columbia I found the perfect ornament. I usually don't buy on impulse, but these handmade clay mushrooms were tooooo cute. I got them at Loblolly Interiors Market Antiques. It is a gorgeous store with beautiful paintings, fun accessories, and antiques. If you are in Columbia, you should stop by.
Coming up this Thursday is Silo Studio's Studio Thursday sale. This show has a beach theme, so I created some beach themed jewelry and will have it there along with my other new jewelry. The show is from 9:00 until 2:00 so don't miss it.

Nashville Tennessee Flood 2010

In case any of you weren't aware, Nashville and Middle Tennessee are going through one of the worst disasters in our history. I was away in Florida during the flood, and had no TV where I was and very little internet access. My husband was telling me about what was going on, but it wasn't until Monday when I returned, that I understood the extent of the damage. When I saw the news footage of Nashville I was moved to tears. From what I understand, it got very little national coverage. Please watch the video and you will be amazed at the amount of water that inundated our state. My younger son is a fireman in Smyrna and was on duty all weekend as they helped evacuate people. Our home was unscathed, but I know several people who lost much in the flood.
I have posted some items in my Etsy shop for all proceeds to go to help the flood victims. Please remember the flood victims in your prayers and I'm sure any help would be appreciated. If you don't see anything in my shop that is to your liking, just type in "Nashville" in the search box and you will find others who are also posting flood relief items. Thanks!

Flea Market Day

Last Friday was the start of flea market weekend at the Nashville Fairgrounds. I love to have a free afternoon to wander and peruse the wares.

This mirror was very intriguing for a self portrait shot.

Of course you can always find cowboy boots in Nashville.

I love the big letters.

This vendor had spelled out various words all over the pavement.

And this is the treasure that I went to find...loads of new beads and cabochons to make some new creations. To top off all of that inspiration, my new issue of Jewelry Artist magazine was in the mailbox when I got home. Woooooohoooooo....studio, here I come!

Copper Creations

I've been thinking about new textures and shapes lately to try to break outside of the familiar. First I trace around the stone on my sketchbook and experiment with different shapes for the backing. I am pleased with how these two new pieces came out. The unique chain in the top one was given to me by Steph.
These should be on display next week at our Gallery Friday Event in downtown Columbia, Tennessee. Here is our new sign that I just completed for the gallery. Things are coming together for another great event.

Aaaaaa....Spring!

My favorite time of year is here! The green is so wonderfully bright that it keeps stealing my attention from other less interesting things. Lunch on the deck is an event to look forward to, even if my cat does want to share it with me. The studio is calling though, and I do manage to put in some time there. Opening the windows and letting in the fresh air helps to bring a little of the season into my workplace.

Time Flies, Be Happy

Dyed Jasper and Copper

Also...Silo Studio's Studio Thursday is back for an encore this month since so many people were on spring break. Shawn and I are restocking so there will also be some new stuff, just in case you didn't get enough of it last week.

Productive Day

I love having a whole day at home to create. Of course there is always housework to be done too, but in between 6 loads of laundry and cleaning the kitchen and bathrooms, I managed to get a bit of creating done too. Studio Thursday is coming up this week at Silo Studio so it's crunch time. The theme this month is gardens so Shawn asked me to make some things with the outdoors in mind. There are birdbaths/feeders made from old silverplated and brass serving pieces.

Mini terrariums with handmade polymer clay mushrooms.

Herb markers made from old silverplated flatware.

I also made some cowgirl necklaces with little pony charms for the Columbia crowd. Mule Day is coming up this weekend so get ready to party.