Sometimes I get stuck...

....but I always seem to pull out of the muck,

that sometimes tries to pull me under my work table.

Just in time, I remember who I really think I am.

My talented California friend, Diana Frey, has once again designed the most beautiful jewelry line for Robin Kaplan's Fall Collection. Diana has been both a wonderful friend, and an honest inspiration to me. This time her twisted wire and stone choker sang out to me.

"sari cross"

I decided to begin with one of the turquoise crosses bought at the Bead Market in Stafford this past weekend; along with recycled sari silk ribbon I found in an Etsy shop, Northcott Wilson Artisans. I attached the cross using a bail I hand-formed from my stash of brass etched in California. I bought the raw brass strips, yes! at Kit Kraft; but I'm also able to get them at my local hardware store in downtown Katy. Hobby stores will most likely sell them as well, perhaps even Hobby Lobby. They measure 12" x 1/2"; and I bought the 12" x 1/4" size. They are precut and ready to alter as you like.

I added copper chain, which I formed, soldered & oxidized; then gently stretched the loops using my long chain nosed pliers. I styled my chain using the method Stephanie Lee shared with us in class; but she also showed how to make this type of chain in her article called Totally Plastered, published in the January/February 2009 Belle Armoire Magazine. And, she shared it in her book, Semiprecious Salvage. My take has the loops linked together using torch shimmered spacers, bought from Silk Road Treasurers, at the Gem Show last year. They have the most beautiful shimmer & texture, and mirror the shimmer on my bail. I sprinkled a few in the wrapped part of my necklace.

Little did I know that Deryn mentioned in her latest post, Michelle Ward's Crusade No. 31~Make it Your Own. Deryn shared her wire nest charm as an example. (She sells the tutorial in her Etsy shop). Deryn said she was inspired by the wonderfully creative artist Susan Lenart Kazmer's resin-on-paper technique, which lead her to add wire and paper leaves and vines to her wire nest charm. She didn't use Susan's exact technique...but, was certainly inspired by it. She put her spin on it and re-spun her original design in the process.

I believe this is the highest form of flattery!

The ability for an artist to share what they know with others. Then, drawing from it, we add our spin on it....making it our own. Yes, Make it Your Own. I did.

What a wonderful day or two!

This historic precinct courthouse stands in the middle of the town square in beautiful Fayetteville, Texas. The square is also the location of the Texas Pickin Park. And, during the antique festival, Fayetteville is included in places to shop.

Last weekend the square was home to 52 artists, brought here by the Art Guild of Rural Texas. It was the guild's 10th Annual Fayetteville Art Walk. I was blessed to be a part of it. Here are a few pictures of my table set up.

My husband and I are always fascinated by the number of people who come into my booth and pick up the props! I always use some of my antique finds, such as the vintage door knob bought in Warrenton; and a leather magazine carrier and briefcase I bought in Katy during the City Wide Garage Sale. And, I've gotten some beautiful vintage silver spoons from Nothing Ordinary, which have now found their way on my table. " Layered Metals"

The park is home to many old pecan trees which surround the entire courthouse. The reflection of these beauties in one of my antique mirrors, brought back memories of my home in nearby New Ulm. " Ice Princess"

One of the pieces for sale, was this necklace I made with a chandelier crystal bought at the antique festival in April. The facets of this crystal are just slightly different from the ones I've used in the past. I also added faceted and nugget crystal quartz, along with Swarovski rondells. $108

"Smokey Quartz Dangles"

These dangles are also still available. I used larger faceted drops of smokey quartz and oxidized sterling silver wire. $46

I must say the art guild treated the artists with a wonderful reception on Saturday evening, along with 14 different awards. The members came around to our booths each morning with rolls and kolaches, and with cold bottled water several times a day.

It was an exceptional show, and I commend them for a job well done.

Fayetteville Art Walk

This is the first year I will be showing my jewelry at the Fayetteville Art Walk. It is a juried art show held in Fayetteville, Texas. Here are the details, and a few new pieces I will have for sale.

Fayetteville Art Walk

10th Annual Art Walk

Presented by The Hightower Group & The Art Guild of Rural Texas

May 2-3, 2009

10-5 pm Saturday

10-4 pm Sunday

" Queeny"

" Nesting"

"Rustic Cuff"
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I hope to see you there!

Art in the Park

This weekend I will be in Orange, Texas.

I have been feverously designing perfect pieces to sell at the

7th Annual Art in the Park.

"Vintage Chandelier Drop Necklace"

I am so fortunate to know a wonderful Etsy seller, Donna; who contacted me after seeing the "Vintage Rose Drop" necklace on the front of Belle Armoire Jewelry. She had an exact duplicate of the beautiful vintage art deco faux turquoise necklace! I had used all of the pieces from the first necklace, bought in Warrenton last Spring, so this was wonderful news. I designed this piece using a vintage chandelier drop. It will be at the sale in Orange!

These will also be there.

A pair of Czech glass and faceted smokey quartz dangles.

"Ruby Sister's"

Another piece from my sister's series, this one features a deconstructed vintage rhinestone necklace, that has lucious ruby colored rhinestones. I added faceted crystal quartz beads, and a dash of faceted garnets. And, one of my original charms. The dangle has a wrapped Swarovski crystal, and a ruby red piece from the rhinestone necklace.

I pray you have a blessed weekend.

I will have more of my Santa Fe photos next week!

Odd Shots on Monday~Duct Tape Rules

I bought this vintage leather briefcase during the Katy Citywide Garage Sale this past Spring. I liked it because it was made of beautiful old leather, in very good shape inside & out; and I could use it as a jewelry display at shows. Originally, I thought the handle had one of those extra pieces of leather added, but just this weekend while using it, I discovered it was duct tape (hmmm...wear your glasses please). Wrapped perfectly straight & tight; and looking as if it had just been added. This is no anomaly, I know, as duct tape is used everywhere and anywhere. But, I just had to acknowledge the perfection of this wrap job~one only a fellow perfectionist can truly appreciate.

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To see more Odd Shots, go see Katney~that is where it all started!