Monday's Meow-Mix

Hot Off the Workbench!

Last year I purchased some lovely ruby-in-zoisite stones.  They are quite large, over 1.5 inches in diameter and flat.  I love the raw nature of these little treasures - dark red against green, that somehow avoids giving off a christmas-theme.  Of course, I can go with the traditional way of setting a stone, or I could do something a little unusual.  Per usual, I go with the unusual.

The shape is a new thing for me.  I love asian-influenced lines and patterns, something more commonly found in beautiful fabrics or ornamental, architectural structures.  I've incorporated a few elements of that - imperfectly hand-drawn, sawn and sanded (might be time to invest in a flex-shaft).

And I normally don't like to write a lot, I'm more of a picture-person.  But I'm happy with the results, which is a fabulously HUGE pendant, meant to be worn low on the chest.  Yes, it's heavy.  Yes, it's BIG.  But you can wear it solo, or soften the look by layering other chains and small pendants.

Have a look for yourself:

Banksy = Brilliant

I've only learned more of this notorious artist recently, after watching "Exit Through The Gift Shop" which was an amazing film.  The twist?  The rumors that this film might be a "hoax" as a way of mocking the consumerist art world.  Definitely worth the watching and then decide for yourself, what you really think.  Think about that.

Monday's Meow-Mix

{pretty}

Custom Design

A friend of mine acquired some pretty, little stones from a trip she'd taken to South America, with her mother and sister.  She brought them to me, hoping that I'd come up with a design, that would suit her sister's particular taste in jewelry.  As the commission was not in any hurry, I played with the sparkly rocks for quite a few months.  As I have no lapidary skills and since the stones were not meant to be drilled, I wanted a way to showcase them and protect them at the same time.  Here goes the rest of the story:

rough tourmaline, citrine and aquamarine

Monday's Meow-Mix; Tuesday Style

Was computer-less this weekend, as I spent it down in gorgeous Palm Springs.  Weather: upper 80's.  Sunshine.  Heated, salt-water pool.  Fabulous Mexican food.  Books were read.  Wine was drunk.  Naps were taken.  I have much to be thankful for.

Loot!

M and I went for a weekend walk at Crissy Field this past weekend.  Instead of the usual, we actually took a detour to walk the beach out there.  Because of recent weather, it sand was covered with glorious junk and trash washed in from the water.  Both giant and little pieces of driftwood, planks and rusty screws and nails.  It was quite wild and in a moment of rare silence, I imagined that I was a character in the Swiss Family Robinson, looking for tools for survival.  Minus the call-box and pug, of course...

Monday's Meow-Mix

Florence Broadhurst

This woman was brilliant - and I've gathered that only from the tip of the iceberg googling of her life and work.  I feel like I've only scraped the surface of what she's done.  This isn't even looking at all of the modern artists who are influenced by her work.

I'm currently in a fabric/textile mode.  My friend L is a fabulous source of what's-what and who's-who on this subject.  I am fascinated and awed by how various fabrics are created and the range of colors, patterns and art on it.

For Your Consideration...

I stumbled upon this, somewhere among the vast goings-ons of the internet.  Sounds intriguing...  I feel like  I ought to give it a shot, but I am not very good at big commitments...  Any thoughts?

365 Blog

Monday's Meow-Mix

2011...???...???

Pep-talking (aka; talking to myself) to get geared up for this new year.  There are things that I want and then there are things that I am determined to accomplish.  For me.  Not for the sake of others.  I will get my work into more stores and boutiques.  I will continue to practice good eating habits.  I will pick up painting again (for me) and I will learn a new skill.

2011!

Bring it!

Modish

Goodbye 2010, Hello 2011!

2010 felt like it flew right by.  Not quite ready for a new year.  One step at a time.  Enjoying some coffee, Kate Bush and candlelight on a gray, January 1st.