Living is great in southern Arizona

Wow!  The photo above is typical of the last 2-3 months here south of Tucson.  The summer monsoon rains have turned the desert a gorgeous green.  These are the Santa Rita mountains, with the iconic Elephant Head mountain framed by downpours on each side!  Mount Hopkins is the tall peak on the right, and is well known for being the site of the Whipple Observatory sponsored by the Smithsonian.  The next tall mountain to the left of it is Mount Wrightson, tallest peak in the Santa Ritas.  To the left of Elephant Head where the smaller storm is falling lies Madera Canyon.  The canyon is world famous for being one of the best birding spots ever.  Supremely beautiful mountains, and we feel very privileged to be able to see them every day!

We've settled in very nicely, and our work on the townhouse is about done.  It has a completely different look now, and we love it even more.  Our kitchen below:

The kitchen walls were stark white, white cabs, old white appliances.  So, thankfully I am married to a painter!  Walls are now a lovely Tucson Tan, and strawberry red.  A quartz countertop replaced the PINK one, and the appliances (except the microwave...budget was empty) are stainless.  The cabs are a wonderful black that sets it all off perfectly.

The dining area has another accent wall, a great oil painting by a New Mexico artist, and all my little things from "home" on my bookcase from "home"!  The patio is being used by my sister, who has arrived from Normal, IL.  She's already found a house about 10 minutes away, soon to move in.

Steve and I have joined the Lapidary club, and I'm taking classes in Lapidary and silversmithing.  Steve is golfing a bit, and signed up for a ceramics class.  I also have agreed to teach a bronze/copper jewelry making course or two.

The hardest part is over now.  We're here, we love it, and we're staying!!!!!

Moving is still hard...but it is almost over

Our new home in Green Valley, a very nice townhouse in Alpine Circle.  Curious name for a street in the desert, but it's OK.  Not quite completely moved in, as there is more to be delivered.  But it's shaping up nicely and I'll post some photos later. 

It was the first place we looked at.  Visited many more, but came back to this one.  It had been remodeled by the previous owner who  pushed out the back wall, using some of the patio space to make the interior more spacious.  We have a bit of a view of the Santa Rita Mountains, my favorite mountains in the US.  We have a pair of Gambel's Quail, who have produced the teensiest, tiniest little quail babies imaginable, so cute!   

We've joined the Green Valley Recreation facility, which is mandatory anyway.  Soon we'll take advantage of the numerous rec centers around town, pools, exercise rooms, class rooms for painting, jewelry, ceramics, on and on.   

Arizona is well known for the summer heat.  It has been well over 100 degrees since we got here.  112 is the highest yet for me!  Today though, very nice at 98!  Monsoon season has arrived, and afternoon storms seem to pop up out of nowhere.  It is a beautiful sight, and the resulting cool air is fabulous! 

I hope my friends in Bloomington/Normal will read this and let me know how everyone is doing.  

Please keep in touch with me at oldbeed@gmail.com

Moving is hard

We never would have thought that moving from our small 2 bedroom house would be so difficult.  I don't mean emotionally, as that hasn't really hit me yet.  I am expecting to be in tears on closing day though.  25 years in this house has left us with so many memories.  A few bad, but so many more of the good, long-lasting, loving memories.

But, wow, what a lot of STUFF we've accumulated!  Of course, for the entire time we've had 3 (!) home art/craft businesses.  Steve's leather working tools and supplies, thankfully have been sold.  I have continued to paint my miniature scenes, and had started to gather supplies to go bigger in my artwork.  I definitely plan to continue doing that, so all of the paints, brushes, cleaning supplies, canvases, frames, references, etc...have to be packed.  

I've made a decision not to continue making silver and bronze jewelry, but the supplies I accumulated over the past 12 years have to be dealt with.  I do have a plan to try making a mixed media piece incorporating paintings and some fired bronze metal components.  It will keep me busy for awhile. 

So with 2/3 businesses, all those tax records need to accompany us.  The IRS may like a look someday, but I highly doubt it.

Our biggest help in this is the fact there are some auction companies that are very willing to take much of your stuff and sell it for you.  Jim Pankey of the Bloomington Auction House is going to be doing that on Monday...out the door with most of our furnishings, (definitely won't fit into a Southwestern decor), my small collections of ceramics, vintage furniture, etc.  They'll need a big trailer!  

Trying to arrange for moving pods and not knowing if it will all fit, what a hassle!  At this point, I don't think I can recommend the UHaul brand of pod/boxes.  Communication has been very poor.  We'll see how it all ends up.   

Moving across the country is pretty scary.   Many,many people have done it, and I know we can too.  Boy, will I be glad to get to Green Valley, Arizona!!!!!

We have one last class tomorrow.  A BRONZCLAY JEWELERY MAKING CLASS:
June 1st, 1:00pm, 318 N. Main St., Bloomington.  email:  artjools@frontier.com.

This is a portion of a walkway found in the artists colony of Tubac, Arizona.  Just a few miles from where we'll be for the rest of our lives!!!!!

A change is in store!

Above you see our house as it looked the day after a new roof was installed, October 2012.

Last Friday we accepted an offer for the purchase of the house, with closing very soon on June 7th!  It seems impossible that after 25 years we're finally getting ready to move to Southern Arizona.  So much to do, it's becoming overwhelming!

I have planned a bronze clay jewelry class for June 1, at 318 N Main, Bloomington.  At this point I have 3 students for sure.  Please email me at artjools@frontier.com, or call 309-473-2013, if you're interested.  Class fee is $60, starts at 1pm, and will last a good 2 1/2 - 3 hours.  Bring some ideas!

I will be setting up at the downtown Bloomington Farmers Market one last time this coming weekend,  May 25.  I won't know a space number for awhile, so browse the market til you find me!!!

I have been relaxing and recovering from a long (or so it seemed) year of making bronze and silver jewelry.  I came to the conclusion I no longer want to make jewelry, and now am RETIRED!

I continue to give classes in making the Bronze metal jewelry pieces.  But then the rest is up to the students.  We'll be having a class this Saturday at the Off the Wall Gallery at 318 N. Main St, Bloomington, 1pm.  I have 2 spaces left, if anyone is interested.  Let me know at artjools@frontier.com.

My creative desires are being fulfilled now by painting, and as I've always tried to paint realistically, to change up and make things more interesting, I've switched to colorful abstracts.  Still in small miniature sizes, these are bright and color-packed.

This one is 2 1/2 x 3 1/2".  I haven't decided on what sort of frame as this point.  I can search all day long and not find a frame that would fit those dimensions, so it will probably go in a mat sized for an 8x10 frame.  

I do still plan to have a booth at the Farmers Market and Artist's Alley, downtown Bloomington, on Jefferson, Center, and Main Streets.  This starts the first Saturday in May, 5/4/13.  I'll be a "drop-in artist" which means...not every weekend.  But, I do plan to be there the 4th, and probably the 11th, just in time for Mother's Day!  I'll have the remaining jewelry, and some beads and unused metal creations for sale.  I'll post my location there, as soon as I know it!

The tree photo above is located at the Weldon Springs State Park, south of Clinton, IL.  I've been wanting to paint it for some time now, so may as well get busy!

2013 promises new and wonderful things to come!

This photo was taken last year at Weldon Springs State Park, south of Clinton, IL.   We just returned from the 2nd annual First Day Hike held there on this beautiful crisp sunny New Years Day.  Very cold, but absolutely gorgeous!  We covered about a mile through the snow, making new tracks for others to follow.  Lots of little birds spotted...titmice, redbirds, nuthatches, sparrows, blue jays, geese and a redtail hawk.  Plus a couple of deer crossing our path in front!  

I wish I'd had my camera, but did have my new wonderful Leupold binoculars, so I was afraid I'd drop one or the other of them.   

We're planning to try to sell our house this spring.  If that happens, we'll be moving west, to Arizona.  A lot of work to be done in that regard, such as cleaning out a lot of stuff we've accumulated over the years.  Still need to find a storage facility that's reasonably close by.  

January 12 we'll be giving a Bronze jewelry class at 318 N Main, Bloomington.  Mary Lynn has found a partner so that she'll continue to stay there, and we can continue with some classes.   I have 5 students so far, so let me know...artjools@frontier.com.

January 19 we'll set up again in the Museum of History, downtown Bloomington, for the 2nd indoor Farmers Market of the season.  It was a successful event in December, so we'll see what January has in store for us.

In that we've got so much stuff, we've decided to try doing the Flea Market held in the Expo Gardens building in Peoria on January 27.  I'll be taking beads, finished jewelry, collectibles, and Steve's taking his leather craft tools and patterns.  Certainly hope it will be worth all the trouble.

Have a great year everyone!

Artfire Collection on Christmas Eve

Today I received notice that my Fine Silver brooch was included in an Artfire Collection: PIN THIS!, by Umeboshi, an Artfire artisan:

PIN THIS!

  Curated By: Umeboshi

ArtFire.com

Handmade Gifts

It is the tree/moon pin 2nd from the right. So that was a nice gift from an unknown friend! I have listed several new pieces on Artfire, including these:

We are busy cleaning out our junk from years of accumulation of totally unnecessary purchases. The problem is I still want some of it, but have no more room. Looks like we'll need to rent a room from storage facility. There are 3 here in little Heyworth, IL. But, the rooms are all rented already! We apparently are not the only people with too much stuff!

One Last Market

This Saturday, December 15, will be the first Indoor Market of the winter.  Last year artists were not "allowed".  This year I get to be there!  So from 10am til 12pm the market will be held on the first and lower levels of the McLean County Museum of History, 200 N. Main St, Bloomington.   My space is located just around the corner from the  main desk on the first level.  We're looking forward to it, so hoping to see everyone there!

Yesterday, 12/12/12, marked my first sale on Artfire.  www.artjools.artfire.com

So that was exciting to send a bracelet to a lady in North Carolina.  Only a few hours later, I got to send earrings to a lady in Washington state!  Lo and behold at 11pm an order arrived from Houston!  3 in one day!  I had placed an ad that rotates with others ads, so it must have done the job.  

The silver pendant and chain above will be listed on Artfire later today.  It's a smoke bush leaf with a citrine.  The blue is from an oxidizing solution applied to highlight the leaf texture and veins.  As you can see, I'm not the best photographer in the world.  It really is much prettier in person.  

My very faithful students and I are trying to come up with a new venue for the classes.  The Yarn Garden and the Off the Wall Gallery will be closing in January.  We're still searching....

Let us know if you have a place!

Bronze Ring class

Another ring class coming up on Saturday, Nov. 24th, this time in Decatur, IL, at The Bead Shop, 2885 N Oakland Ave.   At this point, there may be an opening, but please contact Diane at the shop, (217) 791-5169.    It is surprisingly simple to make rings with the Bronzclay, plus it's very cool to use a material that allows the imagination run wild with the design, at a low cost!

Our next local class is December 8th at the Off the Wall Gallery, 318 N. Main, Bloomington, IL.  There are 3 students thus far, with a limit of 6.  Contact me, artjools@frontier.com if you are interested. This will be an "ordinary" class, which means whatever you want! 

The owner of the shop, Mary Lynn, suffered a broken ankle recently.  The shop is being attended to by her friends and family.  We are hoping she is feeling better and will have a quick recovery...

December 1st is our jewelry Trunk Show at the Garlic Press in Uptown Normal.  I do have some work available for sale in the store at this time also.

I should mention I have 3 paintings in the Holiday Treasures Art Sale at the McLean County Art Center, downtown Bloomington.  This year I opted out of taking jewelry there, as one piece was lost, and I have never been paid. (?-long story)

Lastly, we entered one of Steve's sculptures, an Alien Spaceship, in a contest sponsored by a national magazine, Metal Clay Today.  This is being judged now, so maybe we'll have good (or bad!) news soon.

Hope For the Holidays, Component Class, and The Garlic Press!

We'll be setting up for the Hope Christmas show in Springfield, IL, this weekend.  The Hope Presbyterian Church does a great job hosting this small show and treats the artists with outstanding care.  The church is just one block east of White Oaks Mall at 2211 Wabash Ave, Springfield, IL.  They will be raffling baskets filled with unique items from the artists to support the church's International Mission Fund, plus speciality baskets in honor of Jan Hedburg to support the APL of Springfield.

On November 10th, another Bronzclay class is scheduled at the Off the Wall Gallery, 318 N.Main St. Bloomington, IL.  This class is specifically about making components needed for jewelry making, such as links, beads, hollow beads, clasps, dangles, etc.  Above is a photo of an older pendant using links and dangles.  One always needs a little something extra to add to the design and make it "pop"! 

Last week I took in a bunch of new pieces to The Garlic Press in uptown Normal.  Sarah now has many in her store in the jewelry case, such as the silver necklace shown below:

But best of all, I will be having a "Trunk Show" there at The Garlic Press on December 1st, 11am to 3 pm.  A great time for last minute Christmas shopping! 

More Classes scheduled

This Saturday brings another set-up at the downtown Bloomington Farmers Market, 7:30 am to 12 noon.  Same space on Jefferson, and across from the music.  TOMB...The Old Men Boys, will be the band.  We have to go on record here to say they are the best group around, and definitely our favorites!

I have some new brooches/pins for the jackets and sweaters we're wearing this fall.  I'll try to get some photos up tomorrow.

Saturday afternoon 1p to 3:30 (or so) will be another Bronze Rings Class at 318 N. Main St. upstairs from the Off the Wall Gallery and Mary Lynn's Yarn Garden.    At this time, there are 3 students,  with room for 3 more.  

November 10th has been reserved for another class in Bronze Jewelry, same time and space.  The exact topic for this class is still under discussion.  Call me at 309-473-2013 for more information on this class, or anything else.  

At this point, we only have one more 2-day weekend show scheduled for this year.  That is coming right up on November 3 + 4 in Springfield at the Hope Presbyterian Church.  

We were very disappointed to hear our work was not chosen to be included in the Thieves Market Holiday Art Show in Iowa City in December this year.  We're on the Alternate List, but haven't had much luck with those kinds of lists this year.  It really is not a pleasant feeling to hear your work was not wanted...especially when I've never been rejected for this show before...and especially every year I have sold very well, and have many repeat customers there.   Art fair applicants are multiplying greatly, and apparently my work has been around too long, or not considered "right".  Oh well, its always been a horribly difficult show to set up for...glad to not go through that, at least!

Here's Proof!

Thank you Dylan...great photo of our booth and first place ribbon at the Arts in Central Park, Decatur.

We are set up now in Clinton at the Apple 'n Pork Festival...great weekend ahead!  Wonderful weather has been promised.   We're looking forward to it!!

Great news in Decatur!

Last Saturday at the Arts in Central Park in Decatur, our work was awarded 1st place in Jewelry!!!!

Judges were Jane Camp, Heartland Community College instructor in painting and drawing, and Randy Reid, Illinois State University instructor in jewelry, metals, and sculpture.

I will have proof when our friend Dylan sends the photo of the booth and ribbon.  (I forgot my camera.  So it's handy to be friends with an award-winning photographer!)

The loverly piece above is bronze with a silver bead embedded, strung with handmade bronze beads, Czech beads, and wonderful long, skinny Smoky Quartz.  I think it is one of my favorites now.

Tomorrow we'll be back at the Downtown Farmers Market, Bloomington, IL.  Space #4 across from the music on Jefferson St.

Next weekend is the great Apple 'n Pork Festival in Clinton.  Lets hope the weather gives us one more weekend without rain. 

Arts in Central Park, Decatur, IL

This Friday evening through Sunday we'll be taking part in the art show in Decatur, held in the beautiful Central Park located in downtown Decatur.  Friday evening is from 5pm to 7pm, and is quite a lot of fun!  There is a great band, and the committee puts on a wonderful feast for art patrons and artists.  

Saturday hours are 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday 10 am to 4 pm.  This really is a very nice art fair, and the coordinators do a great job.  Great art and a beautiful setting usually makes for a great time.  Now if the weather will cooperate, all will be perfect!!

The Bronze jewelry class has a few openings, scheduled for October 6, 1:30 pm til 4ish, at 318 N. Main, Bloomington, IL.  It is a fun class!  Contact me at artjools@frontier.com, or Mary Lynn at the store at stitchinggirl_2000@yahoo.com for more info or to sign up.  

Bronze Clay Jewelry Class scheduled:

The next class for learning how to work with the Bronzclay  is coming up on October 6th.  It will be again in the Off the Wall Gallery, upstairs mezzanine...this is also known as Mary Lynn's Yarn Garden, at 318 N. Main, Bloomington, IL.

You will learn jewelry design, using templates and texture plates for your design, how to work with the clay in rolling, applying texture, cutting design shapes, and sanding smooth and finishing.  This includes everything you need:  30 grams of Metal Adventures Bronzclay, use of my templates and my own textures (many are my original designs), tools to use, instructions, and the kiln firing process.  The firing will need to be done in my kilns at home, then I'll return the pieces to the gallery for you to pick up...unless you are from out of town, then I'll send them.  30 grams will get you as many as 8-10 pieces or as few as 3....depends on how large you like your jewelry!  All this will cost you $60, payable prior to class (clay needs to be ordered.).

The class will start at 1:30pm, lasts as long as needed to get all the pieces ready to be fired...usually 2-3 hours.  Due to limited space, 6 students is the limit we can handle.

If you have questions, email artjools@frontier.com, or Mary Lynn at the Yarn Garden stitchinggirl_2000@yahoo.com.
I would need you pay when you sign up, as mentioned above, as I need to order clay  and other supplies before the class.  Also, it would be great if you would register with Mary Lynn since she is there at the gallery/store and can keep it all organized.  It might get kinda crowded if I sign up 4 and she signs up 6!!

This is a fun class, and you'll be amazed at what you can get!  The bracelets above are simple to make, and can be a good project for you to make..............

Lincoln Art and Balloon Festival

This weekend we will be set up in Latham Park during the Art & Balloon Festival in Lincoln, IL.  Our space is #9 near the corner of Kickapoo St. and Pekin St.  We had this space last year, and thankfully it has a fair amount of shade.  But it is located on a bit of a slant, so that I always worry about people "rolling" into my booth!

This sterling silver necklace is sold, but hopefully I can come up with something similar by Saturday.  Doubtful though:(

The art fair runs from 10 to 5 Saturday, and 10 to 4 Sunday.  There is an enormous amount of "things to do" during this festival weekend.  The program can be found at www.lincolnillinois.com.

If you can make it to Latham Park, please stop by our booth and say hello!

Advanced Bronzclay Class

The Bronzclay classes have been so popular, that we've decided to schedule an Advanced class, which will focus on making hollow lentil beads or  pendant.  This photo is of one made earlier this year.  It has a different texture on the reverse side.



This piece is also hollow, a little more time involved as it needs a top and bottom attached, but is certainly doable. 

This is a two-sided pendant that is joined with clay balls between, so the cord can be threaded through.  Also takes a bit longer, but easy to do. 

We'll again be upstairs at Mary Lynn's Yarn Garden, 318 N. Main, Bloomington, IL.  If you're interested, send me an email artjools@frontier.com, or email to Mary Lynn, stitchinggirl_2000@yahoo.com.  Starts at 1:30pm, 8/18/2012, $60.  Includes everything you need!



New Bronze Clay Classes

On July 28th, I'll be teaching a class on making Bronze Rings.  It'll be at Mary Lynn's Yarn Garden & Off the Wall Gallery at 318 N. Main, Bloomington.  Starts at 1:30pm, will last 2-3 hours as needed to finish.  There are 3 or 4 people signed up, so there's space for 2 or 3 more!  Please contact me at artjools@frontier.com, or Mary Lynn at stitchinggirl_2000@yahoo.com.

We've scheduled a Bronze clay class making whatever your heart desires on August 4th, same location and times.  Please contact either of us above.  There are several openings there.

I did not get called for Sugar Creek art fair.  I did set up a table inside the Garlic Press, uptown Normal, so that helped.  Still..........really wish Rob had called.

We'll be set up for the next 5 Saturdays at the Downtown Bloomington Farmers Market, across from the music on Jefferson St.  This Saturday has the really fun Lincoln Festival going on.  I would highly encourage everyone to attend the market, the activities concerning Lincoln on the museum grounds (old Courthouse) which the market surrounds.  There are a number of other venues with more to offer...

http://www.pantagraph.com/entertainment/go/festival-continues-homage-to-all-things-lincoln/article_4a971f3e-d1a7-11e1-8ed7-001a4bcf887a.html

Still waiting to hear......

We're still waiting to hear from the coordinators of the Sugar Creek Art Festival, which is only 2 days from now, as to whether or not Artjools will be one of the participants.  This depends on another jewelry artist dropping out, which apparently is not going to happen.  If that's the case, we'll be at the Farmers Market in the usual spot on Jefferson Saturday morning. 
    Then, if no word from MCAC, I'll set up a table in the front entrance lobby of The GARLIC PRESS, on North Street in Normal!  So, I'll still be there at the art fair, but not part of the art fair, enjoying being inside in the air-conditioning!!! Hah!!

I've also scheduled a Bronzclay Class on July 14th, to be held upstairs at Off the Wall Gallery, 318 N. Main St, Bloomington, IL.  This will teach you to make the Bronze jewelry components for your own jewelry designs!  Above is a sample of what you can do with this great stuff.  Contact me at artjools@frontier.com, or Mary Lynn at the gallery, actually at her store Mary Lynn's Yarn Garden at the same address, info@marylynnsyarngarden.com, 309-820-0174. 

Above are some Bronze Rings.  I've also scheduled a class in making these on July 28th, also at the Off the Wall Gallery.  Again contact me or Mary Lynn at the Yarn Garden.  These are both going to be lots of fun, and you'll have some great jewelry when you're all done! 

Men's jewelry for Father's Day

This attractive, manly piece is made with silver-coated lava beads, glass beads, and black leather.   It measures around nineteen inches long with a classy toggle clasp.  Can you see your Dad or hubby in this?  Looked verry good on Steve!

These bronze bracelets are made for a man, but, heck, just as nice-looking on a woman! 

Next weekend, June 23, we'll be setting up in Danville, at their Arts in the Park celebration.  This is a very well run event, even giving the artists a very nice Friday evening meal.  Good artists, music, and hopefully good weather!  This show honored me with the Best of Show award last year!!!  So, I guess, no wonder I like it there!

This is another photo I'm thinking of painting.  A very scenic little farm in Dewitt County.