Hello there...
It's been awhile since I've done any blogging or blog reading. Life has just been so busy (all good wonderful artsy things!) and then I had the flu (not such a good wonderful thing) plus my day job has really switched to high gear. Super busy. ESPECIALLY with all the Silver Bella prep I'm needing to do! I am hosting a fabric fatbook (the artwork coming in for this swap is SPECTACULAR!) and I signed up to be a vendor. Gulp! I've been stocking up on tons of goodies like crazy these past few months but now I need to put things in cute little packages!!! DOUBLE GULP! (Uh oh...now I want to go to 7-11!)
So I've decided that I am going to officially declare a blogging sabbatical for myself for these next few weeks. I'm declaring it as opposed to just disappearing off the face of the blogging planet. :-)
BUT before I take off, I have one last thing that I've been meaning to blog about!
I had the very lovely pleasure of taking a class with Deryn Mentock in the beginning of October at Portland Art and Soul. The class was called Wingkeeper. It was fabulous! Two days of jewelry-making and techniques! Happy! Here are a few pictures...
Lovely Deryn and I...she is SUCH a fabulous teacher!
Here is the first piece I made...
(totally need to re-do those coils...first time with this technique...ugh!)
I made the little soldered "box" in a class with Stephanie Lee at last year's Art and Soul. I just loved it but I could never figure out what to do with it. I brought it to class with me just in case I would be inspired. I was. And I SO love this little piece of vintage lace that's just been hanging around waiting patiently to be used.
Here's the large piece from the class...
To make this picture larger, click on it and then click again...I had such trouble getting a good shot of this!
I LOVED learning how to make tassels!
Butterfly wing sandwiched in mica.
Sweet spot alert! :-)
That filigree dangly is something I picked up at a junk store in the "single earring" bin absolutely years ago. I think it totally makes this piece!
Okay...so with that, my dear people, I'm outta here for a few weeks! Take care!
That is some fabulous jewelry, M! Such gorgeousity :)
I can relate to your blogging sabbatical. Hope you get everything done that wants doing
Love You!
Posted by: Lilli | October 19, 2009 at 10:47 AM
Oh my you are a busy girl! I hope you get a lot done on your break! Love the tassle necklace!
Hugs!
Sandy
Posted by: Sandy | October 19, 2009 at 06:02 PM
Michelle, Those are just wonderful! I am just amazed at your many talents.
Posted by: Suz Reaney | October 19, 2009 at 07:16 PM
Both of them are just gorgeous! I bought Deryn's wrapped bead tutorial on Etsy, but haven't tried to do it yet! I'll miss you from blogland, but will see you in a couple of weeks!!
Posted by: natalie hansen | October 19, 2009 at 07:32 PM
We will miss you while you're gone !
But I'm so glad I get to see you the week before at Amy's house.
So very excited for you and Silver Bella.
Bring back lot's of glitter-y ideas to share !
And when you get back, you have to promise the tutorials from last month - I'm dying to put my little book together. Better yet - I should come up there and get a one-on-one tutorial !
love you girl
Posted by: Jill Sibbald | October 20, 2009 at 08:32 PM
The tassel-y necklace is STUPENDOUS! All the details, just gorgeous!
Posted by: Gwen | October 21, 2009 at 08:06 AM
Take a break, Michelle! Your plate is WAY FULL!!!
See you at Silver Bella!
Posted by: Suz Reaney | October 21, 2009 at 02:02 PM
Michelle, are you still going to school, too? I was just in Portland! Blogging sabatical? :-(
hugs from Cheryl in IN
WHOSYERGURL
Posted by: Cheryl K. Bennett | October 22, 2009 at 05:43 PM
P.S. Your jewelry is beautiful! I've tried to make jewelry, but it is just too hard on these wittle hands of mine. xo, cheryl
Posted by: Cheryl K. Bennett | October 22, 2009 at 05:44 PM
Sweet girl. Thank you!
Posted by: Deryn Mentock | October 23, 2009 at 06:41 PM
I hate it when life gets so busy but look at what you have been crafting- so pretty!
Posted by: lorraine lewis | October 25, 2009 at 10:58 PM
Beautiful jewelry, I love the lace! Have a nice break and I'll see you at Silver Bella!
Posted by: Stacy | October 26, 2009 at 02:43 PM
so cool! have a good break! i will miss you but i'm so excited to see how everything goes & i do get to see you in about a week :) hooray!
Posted by: emily ruth | October 29, 2009 at 01:42 PM
gorgeous!! I hope you have a fabulous Halloween!! Huge hugs!! Britt :-)
Posted by: britt_sparkledvintagecharm | October 30, 2009 at 10:01 PM
This looks like a lot of fun. Love the necklace.
Posted by: Lorraine | October 31, 2009 at 07:14 AM
Soooo, I really enjoy visiting your blog especially for the creative stuff you involve yourself in. I love how it comfortably intersects with your life. I am endeavoring to weave the two together for myself (the wife/mom/sister parts of my life with the creative individual inside). It is indeed stuff to "Hold Dear." Thank you for sharing your heart.
Posted by: fancyscrapper | October 31, 2009 at 12:57 PM
Your jewelry is fantastic! I love it.
Have a happy break and a great time at Silver Bella!
Posted by: Leslie M. | November 01, 2009 at 02:42 PM
Are you home yet ? Where's the pictures . . . the stories . . . the lovelies . . oh yeah - you probobly have to spend time with Glen first. Tee Hee. I can't wait to hear all about Silver Bella (and crossing my fingers that it's in my future :) love you ! jill
Posted by: Jill Sibbald | November 16, 2009 at 12:08 AM
Good for you (and your soul)! Everything looks beautiful and sounds wonderful!
Hugs,
Sheila
Posted by: Sheila at Halo Hill | November 18, 2009 at 10:31 PM