Take'n a left turn for the day

I know I had said I was going to post up the guidelines for the Artist Showcase today, but I need to push it back a bit so there isn't too much going on at once. I'll post it up soon, after people have had a chance to spread the word and marinate on the Artist Exchange.

I wrote my artist statement today. *grumble* I just wasn't in the right frame of mind to do so. I can talk about my art, my pieces, my likes, dislikes and all those wonderful little tangible things; but when it comes to writing about me -

*insert crickets*

I know they are important, especially for the direction I want to go so I won't stop here, I will expand on it - a little. I have a bio and I think a lot of my information can be found there, so I need to keep it simple and to the point, like a cover letter.

This is as far as I got -

My art is a exploration of shapes, sounds and textures from the world around me. It is fun and challenging to take wire, beads and crystals and form it into the vision in my head.

I thrive daily on chaos and random schedules. I am not tuned into symmetry, and my work often reflects this. As I work on a piece, my thought patterns often change and I have to follow those left and right turns off the beaten path of a planned process and see where the road takes me.

Artist Exchange Official Participation Rules

Welcome to the Artist Exchange!


The purpose of the Artist Exchange is to cross-promote other artists by trading your art with another artist, preferably outside of your craft or style.

We all see the badges, "Buy local", "Buy hand made", this is one avenue to make it happen. Artist Exchange's concept is to be a community support group of artists that encourage and cross promote other artists.

But what is the point of the Artist Exchange? Am glad you asked. The whole point of this exchange is to review, blog, and cross promote another artist. This is an oppurtunity for you to trade with another artist and have a hand made product that you may never have received or bought before. You blogging about your 'gift' is a way to showcase what you have just received. Then review it, and point others to this artists site in hopes of helping to raise awareness of a new artist and the ultimate goal, to create sales. The traffic that stops by your blog are the people who love your work. Introduce your regulars to someone else. This may just be the item that they are looking for as well.

How do I participate in the Artist Exchange? It's simple. First you must be able to comply to the simple guidelines listed below. If these guidelines are reasonable, leave a comment on this blog, saying that you want to participate and what your craft is. Sept 1st., everyone will be notified who their partner is for this session, and I will leave it up to you to exchange addresses and other information. Do your best, your absolute best, to have your piece mailed to your partner in two weeks time. After you receive your new item, make sure to inform your partner that you have blogged about their piece so they can stop by and read and comment for themselves. Review your product in a timely matter. All blogs should be posted by Sept 21st.

The Guidelines:

1. You must blog. Blogging is required as a way to 'promote' the other artist

2. You must have a store. You can't have people promote your wares if there is no way for them to be bought. Etsy, ArtFire are considered a store if you do not have your own domain.

3. If you commit, then commit.

4. Do your best work. Remember you are being promoted. It is free advertising. Show off your stuff.

5. Items priced between $5 and $10 dollars - your cost, not your retail cost. (This will vary from session to session)

6. Be honest and supportive

Get ready for a lot of fun. I can't wait! Spread the word, you can repost this blog, tweet bout it, or link back to it from your facebook page.

Let's get a big group!

See you on Sept 1st!

Under The Chevron Moon

It finally came to me.

Under the Chevron Moon - Goodnight Ronnie



Three strands: blackstone chips and pearls; black designer packet; channel japser, onyx, marble, picasso japser, sterling









I am still not happy with it, and have two other ideas in my head. I may just stop, order two more of the big chevron beads and make those as well.


Pebbles and Pearls - obsidian, pearls, crystals on sterling


Black agate earrings

Friday quickie

Most of this week I have been working on a necklace using that fabulous Glass Chevron, 30mm Round Bead from Rings & Things for a focal.

I have been eluded - this necklace taunts me so. Three times I have tried to make what is in my head and still it lays in pieces parts. This morning, once again I took it apart and tried to make something come of it. I got three beads strung, *sigh* pushed up from my table and got another cup of coffee.

It just isn't happening.

I think I know why. I have had my "Purpose Pendants" on my mind all week as well. So many different designs are rolling thru my head, it is all I want to do. I made two new ones to try and quell this new obsession so I could start on my necklace, but to no avail.

Here are the two new pendants.

Creativity
Coral, aventurine, apatite and citrine all for creativity



Balance -
Iolite and agate for balance.
The double swirl is also the celtic symbol for balance.



My shutter stuck on the last shot, and this is what it took. I think it is a fun shot

Smoookin!!!


Don't forget to check back on Monday for more updates on the Artist Exchange!