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!

The Decatur, IL, Art Guild gave me quite a nice gift...THIRD place award in Jewelry! And, there were 21 other jewelers in this nice art fair. A nice check was sent and I received it today. Thanks so much...

The 2 green ribbon are patron purchase awards, which means the attendees pledge to the art guild that they will buy some piece or pieces of artwork. Then the artists get that money plus a green ribbon. A great system.

A beautiful place for a show!

This past Saturday both Steve, the artist husband, and I had our work at our first one woman/one man show! We set up side by side at the Weldon Springs State Recreational Area, Clinton, IL, at the boat dock. An absolutely beautiful day gave us a wonderfully relaxing show. Neither of us have ever experienced a "relaxing" show, so it was great!
This is our view from inside our booths........Wow! Steve is a leather artist, doing hand-tooled leather pictures...thus his studio name is "Leather Scenes Studio". His website: www.leatherscenes.com.

Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival

This weekend is the annual Art Fair in Latham Park, downtown Lincoln, IL. The hot air balloons will be lifting off at the airport, but there's a couple on display downtown in Scully park, along with the flea market.

http://www.lincolnillinois.com/ABF.aspx

This is always a fun show to take in. I've not shown here myself, but Steve, the husband artist, has done the show many times in the past. Lincoln is such a friendly, welcoming community, it is a pleasure to be there. And, for a wonderful change, the weather promises to be Great!

Maybe we will see you there...........