Working Hard.........

Getting ready for a new season of art fairs is hard work. The first outdoor show is this weekend, in Charleston at Eastern IL University, Library Quad. Of course, it is going to be cold and rainy!

But, the show must go on...we have bills to pay!

Steve continues to have blurred vision in one eye, but he is enjoying creating new constructed 3-D jewelry pieces. I would never make this sort of work...but I love what he's doing. It takes some refining on his work, changes here and there in order to make it into a piece of jewelry to wear, not just a sculpture. They are attention getters, so that accomplishes bringing the buyers into the booth. The show at the Sale Barn last month was good, so we're hopeful that means a good rest of the year!!

A New Season

This Saturday we'll be taking part in the Spring Bloom Art Fair at the Bloomington Sale Barn in south Bloomington. My booth is #46, which is in the approximate center of the building. We have many new wonderful pieces of bronze, silver, and gorgeous new stones. Hopefully there will be something for everyone.

Our schedule isn't completed yet, but I'll be posting new shows as soon as we know more.

Of course, I'm still working at home, and can bring out our work for you at any time. Email: artjools@frontier.com to setup a time.

The One-Eyed Jeweler!

Last year I talked about Steve having surgery for a scarred retina. Unfortunately, it so far has not helped his totally blurred vision in the right eye. But, when one has been living "a life of art", not creating is terribly difficult. When we met, Steve was teaching Jr-High Art. His favorite art form was clay pottery. And now, after many, many years of no clay, he's now making his one-eyed bronze clay pieces.
He's having a ball, made all of the above.

Let us know how you like them, please.

I've sent in applications for the Spring Bloom Art Fair in March at the Sale Barn in Bloomington. Also, to art fairs in Barrington and Riverside, IL in May, and to fairs in Wheaton in June, and Batavia in August. Way too soon to hear if we'll be accepted at this point. Fingers are crossed. There will be more to come. The economy sounds promising, which would be good for us all.

Silver crosses

My friend Sue asked to see the fine silver crosses I had made for a customer. Garnet stones in each one. Not knowing exactly what she, the customer, was looking for, I made two with different textures, and sizes. She picked the larger one for her daughter.

So, Sue, there they are, let me know what you think!

New Work, New Show

We've had a busy fall this year, not just with art fairs, but husband Steve needed eye surgery, which hopefully will result in better vision in the future. But even with just one eye, he's been able to create some outstanding bronze pieces. Much of the new work I'll be posting soon is the result of his one-eyed vision of art jewelry.

This weekend we'll be taking part in the annual Holiday Thieves Market at the University of Iowa's Memorial Union in the Main Lounge. I'd love to be able to tell you our space, but we won't know it till we get there at 6am to set-up. It is a great show, with over 100 Fine Art and Fine Craft booths. This is our last scheduled show of the year. We still have work in the Holiday Treasures show at the MCAC and the Bead Parlor, both of which are in downtown Bloomington. If you find a need for a gift of handmade original jewelry for yourself or a loved one, please contact us.

We are looking forward to a trip in late January to the Gem and Jewelry Trade Show in Tucson, Arizona. Hoping to take a few classes, get some great beads, and hike the trails in southern AZ.

Happy Holidays.........!!!

New Work

The Bead Parlor's new "Off the Wall Gallery"

Yesterday I took several silver, bronze, and beaded pieces to the Bead Parlor, 318 N. Main St., Bloomington, IL. Owner Di Faulk has started a wonderful "Off the Wall Gallery" to promote and sell local jewelry and craft artisans work.

http://www.thebeadparlor.com/ You'll see outstanding work and I highly recommend everyone visit as soon as possible!

Later this month I'll again be taking part in the Holiday Craft Show hosted by Lori Lenahan in her beautiful home at 5 Weathervane Court, Old Farm Lakes Subdivision, Bloomington. Other craft artists are: Julie with one-of-a-kind baskets (beautiful!), Rose's hand woven baskets and gourds (just as beautiful!!), Melodee's painted folk art on antiques, Donna's photographs, Missy and Tana's florals and handmade cards, Deb's hand-knit scarves, Doris's original Artwork, Rondalea's beaded pins and necklaces, Eddy's handmade doll clothes for American Girl dolls, and MUCH MORE!!

In November, after the Hope for the Holidays juried show in Springfield, I'll have my work at the Vrooman Mansion, the gorgeous old estate at 701 E. Taylor St, Bloomington. Innkeeper Theora Stark has gathered a great group of "vendors" and artisans for a holiday show on the first and second floors of the old mansion. Among the vendors are Tastefully Simple, Pampered Chef, Longaberger, Usborne Books, Mary Kay...20 total booths to visit.

Also in November, starting the 12th and lasting through until Christmas Eve, I'll have several items at the McLean County Art Center's Holiday Treasures event. This is of course a great juried show featuring many well-known and new artists of all media. From paintings to sculpture, and jewelry to pottery, you'll be able to find a wonderful gift for your holiday giving.

Above are new pieces finished in the last month. Contact me for the particulars!