Grumpy, Frumpy Mondays...

Etsy says it all...

PaperAcorn

HirondelleRustique

Nightengale13

Waterbear

Goodergood

Bacteriology

My major in college was microbiology.  It's about one of the simplest, but most fascinating class of organisms ever.

Random fact: did you know that about 50% of the mass of your poop is bacteria???

Sorry if that was a little TMI.

Still, interesting, isn't it?

Here is a snapshot of a search on "bacteria" in etsy.  Great people + great imaginations = great results.

(above: chebang)

(above: ulixis)

(above: scientificculture)

(meredithhost)

(above: lipeony)

My major in college was microbiology.  It's about one of the simplest, but most fascinating class of organisms ever.

Random fact: did you know that about 50% of the mass of your poop is bacteria???

Sorry if that was a little TMI.

Still, interesting, isn't it?

Here is a snapshot of a search on "bacteria" in etsy.  Great people + great imaginations = great results.

Musts and Lusts

The following items are what I must/lust to add to my studio.  I've been thinking of re-doing the place- sort of funny because I've had it for such a short while.  I currently have my beloved red, leather chaise (which I may need to give the boot).  It isn't however, the best use of space in a space-limited space!  I've been seeing all sorts of different workspace re-designs by many talented decorators and their cleverness have been quite inspiring.

Of course, if/when I get rid of the chaise, there will be no need for those pillows.  I just love the owl one, SO much.  It will need to find a place in my home!

Found these various great, space-saving pieces on CB2.  After several months of pondering, it makes sense to have the green go-cart to serve as a movable workspace, small enough to maneuver within the studio.  I like the stream-lined, architectural bookcase, which will be a great was of using vertical space for storing my many jewelry-making items and equipment.

Time to get working on that- one of many, many projects...

Hahaha!

I think it's funny- that for the past ten years (since I was 20),  I've been getting solicitations from AARP.  And they won't stop!  I've gotten offers for vacations, watches, jewelry and insurance, if I were to sign up with their services.  Within the decade-long solicitation, I've moved three times and they still manage to find me!

Really?

Cut It Out!

Some productive studio time! Yay! I always love it when that happens. I made a 3.0 version of the Botanicus line- something that is simpler, daintier and easy to throw on with anything in one's wardrobe.

Oh the joy of sharp tools! I played around with the basics. Found an opportunity to use some rectangular sterling sheet scrap (say that five times really fast!) laying around. It was good to practice and hone some basic jeweler's skills- sawing, cutting and sanding. I love how simple and elegant this piece turned out. Sometimes all I really want to create is a minimal and elegant piece- not too flashy or distracting but something that's comfortable and can become a familiar, favorite piece.

This piece will become the start of a new line called Cut It Out! This will be a good personal study on negative space and creating simple, yet honest images.

Enjoy!

Lust, Caution, EBay

I've "discovered" the joys and the pains of surfing EBay for all its digitally buried treasures.  My intention was to find some unique jewelry findings to incorporate into my designs.  Well, one thing led to another and, well, here we have it.

I am salivating for these vintage pieces below.

The first bracelet is by a Canadian designer, Robert Lari.  I adore the sculptural design.  It conjures (for me) images of ancient Mayan ruins paired with modern, organic shapes.  It's so multi-dimensional and ancient-y to me.

The second bracelet is from Finland, by an Erik Granit.  It's also a sterling silver piece with a very simple hook-closure at one side of the row of silver balls.  This little darling piece fills my head with all sorts of images- peas in a pod, silver pearls, phagocytosis, mitochondria and nuclei.  (oops- a little bit of left-brain spillage!).  And it's only (!!!) $500 something.  Holy moly!

And last (for this posting) but not least, this little owl pin is fabulous and adorable.  I don't wear pins.  Sometimes I think I should.  But I also know, that the probability of me stabbing myself at some point with it on my person is very high.  Perhaps that's why I've never even made much of an attempt to do so...  If I were a pin-person, I would bid for this little baby in a heart beat.

Well, I DID make a purchase and a bid for two items.  I'm excited to see it in person.  I've never purchased anything off of EBay before.  But I've heard wonderful things.  Perhaps next time, I'll be finding some of those finding I had intended on getting in the first place!

Good Read

Decided to pick up a new book from my "To Be Read" pile last night and I couldn't put it down until I finished the very last sentence.  I'm not that into telling people what to read- I like what I like- a very random, eclectic, sometimes serious and sometimes silly collection of book genres.  Reading is a very personal thing to me.  I think I am compelled to read two lifetimes worth of books, if that makes any sense at all.

This is for those who might like to check out something different.  I think it's more for the ladies, it may not be quite the thing for anyone out there who is squeamish.  The language is simples, the characters are compelling and real and complex.

Definitely a good read.

Sicky Sicky

I've been a sick girl these past several days.  In many of the dreams that came along with my feverish state, I dreamt of the beautiful moments in Kauai...

This was taken at a cool little beach (i can't remember where- i was the driver, not the navigator on that trip!).  You had to wade through that bit of water before reaching a lovely swimming beach.  That bit of water turned out to be somewhat treacherous though- with several fallen, dead and sunken trees and corresponding branches.  There was a ton of muck at the bottom too, from dead leaves and other bits of organic matter.  Were it not such a beautiful place, my imagination would have run-away with images of skeletal branchy hands rising from the murky detritus towards my ankles... 

Anyway- this picture definitely cheered me on through the flu this past weekend!  Hope you enjoy it too!

New Business Cards!!!

I finally have my new business cards...  It was a long journey.  A SUPER long journey.  I am so indecisive but finally found something that works for me, for the time being, of course...  Of course, it might have been simpler to outsource the project to a professional, but I get very stubborn about being able to do something myself.

Anyway, the iphotograph doesn't do it much justice, but I like it.  That's all that matters, no?

Next step- make jewelry.  Sounds easier than it is...  I think right now, I need a combination of a firm hand, inspiration, energy and ease to get it kick-started.  My tendencies towards procrastination tends to be a huge roadblock for me.  This weekend coming weekend would have been perfect, except, I have a conference to be at this weekend, so that's out.

So, what I need to figure out then, for this weekend and all future weekends like it, is how to keep some creativity and energy flowing, while I'm involved in lengthy, left-brained activities...

Any suggestions?

Aloha!

I've been out of touch for a while...  Was busy in the office and then was in Kauai for a week.  Looooooved it.  Miss it.  Tropical weather - gorgeous, warm, wonderful tropical weather.  Delicious papayas and mangos...  Even the bananas were yummier there.  Found this little critter in the little cottage we were staying at.  We named him Joe Morgenstern.  Hard to tell with this picture I snapped via the iphone, but he's pretty dark- and has tiny yellow-white spots all over.  Hung out with us for a couple of days until we set him loose out on some friendly dirt and leaves outside.

So, back to the grind now.  Today's schedule includes: going to work (the nine to five) and then some well overdue studio time.  My fingers are itching to get some creative work done.  I have ideas, but what will ultimately get churned out tonight will yet to be determined...

Let's keep our fingers crossed!

Yum-Yum

I have always envied those people who are able to assemble beautiful works of food-stuffs, beautiful to both the palate and the eyes. Sometimes you have something at a restaurant, too and you're mystified as to how they were able to make something taste that good.

Well, it really has a great deal to do with the actual item, too! Got some beautiful heirloom tomatoes and tantalizing basil at the Alemany Farmer's Market this past Saturday. I sliced up two of these little lovelies and that fragrant basil and some buttery, fresh mozzarella and layered these simple components. Add a little olive oil, balsamic vinegar, french sea salt and voila! Feast your eyes (and tastebuds) on this dish. Sweet and savory, with a little spice from the basil and a touch of creaminess from the cheese, this dish made for a beautiful Monday night meal.

Yum!

Waste Not, Want Not

Tonight was a pretty good studio night. The building my little studio is in was pretty empty and quiet when I got there after work today. I got the window and door open, my music going, donned an apron and got to work.

I'm developing a series that will be titled "Papilion" (or something similar to that). It's based on some earlier work I've done and tonight was a good three solid hours dedicated to creating AND figuring how to recreate. (I've been running into some challenges with some other lines...).

One IMPORTANT self-imposed rule I have when making my jewelry, is to utilize as much scraps and leftovers as I can- especially with my silver. I work with silver wire and sheet and there are always scraps that are leftover or discarded due to mistakes. I collect as much as I can- with the exception of silver dust (it's currently resting in a catch tray). The scraps are organized by size and shape (yes, that's a little OCD of me...) and I will melt them down or cut them up into something I can use.

Why all this trouble when you can send your metal scraps to refineries that will buy it from you? Well, I'm glad you asked! I CAN be lazy about it and toss it into a little baggie and mail it to said refinery. BUT- there are costs and wastes associated with that. The piece of plastic holding the scraps, the paper needed to package the metal in for shipping, the fuel and energy required in the transporting of the metal and you get the picture.

It's a small step, but it's my little "gift" to the planet, or at least, my bit of restraint. I am keen on looking at other ways and areas in which I can reduce unnecessary spending, using, wasting, etc.

It's Been One Month...

I miss my grandfather.  It has now been a month since he's passed away and it still doesn't quite feel like he's really gone.

I am thinking about all of the things that I've told myself to accomplish, spurred on by the unexpected passing of a man who was a father to me and I'm taking a step back to see how much I've done these past several weeks.

Some things are great: getting the website up, getting some photos taken, doing some research on jewelry venues.  Some things are still being tweaked: business cards, being able to reproduce some of my more recent designs, creating some long-term goals, getting my studio more organized.

I have a (better) copy of this photograph in my office:

This is my grandparents in their early twenties.  And I find it so amazing.  Did they know back  then, that they would raise three children and end up with a handful of grandchildren?  That they would go from China to Taiwan to Nicaragua to the United States?  That out of all the great cities and places they could have chosen to live in the US, that they would settle down in the San Francisco Bay Area and that their arranged marriage would bring them sixty five years together?

Looking at that photograph, I know they didn't.  No one could have really known what exactly their future held for them.  Sure, you can plan.  You can set goals for the next year, 5 or 15.  But you can't predict what each month, week or day will hold for you.  I guess in my long train of thought, the point in all this for me, is to try to live each day in action towards my goals and accepting that there will be backward steps with the forward steps.  I won't know what each day will bring for me, but I know that each one is an opportunity for me to make something of it...

How Do You Like Your Eggs In The Morning?

I LOVE this. I LOVE eggs and I LOVE the idea of having your own little pretty hennies for laying them. Fresh. Everyday. I think this little contraption is pretty freakin' cool - your very own henhouse, ready to go (check out www.omlet.us.com)!

It seems like there is a continuing and steady progression for becoming more self-sufficient and conscientious of how and what we consume. Everyone's been talking- the economic crisis, prices of everything going up, poor health, etc., etc. For many people (and I admire them), that talk has turned into reality. A lot of people I know are into gardening and growing their own vegetables. People are frequenting farmer's markets more, to take advantage of fresh, locally produced produce (like yours truly).

There are more and more articles out in the information world about edible gardens being planted at schools, or the rising number of households keeping chickens in their backyards, or increased promotions of local gardens and farmer's markets. These all seem like small, drop in the bucket type of activities, but once YOU get involved, it can do wonders for YOU and YOUR family. And that's where it counts!

Down The Drain

Busy, sort of non-creative weekend...  Favorite boy and I had a plethora of activities- gym, farmer's market (great, great place), house-cleaning (aaaarghhhh!), gram's birthday celebration, yoga, loooooong walk in the city.

We came across this great little store that had some ridiculously cute house stuffs.  They do a lot of reupholstering projects and have an amazing selection of fabrics.  I've always wanted to know how to sew.  That's something I deeply regret not having learned when I was younger.  It shouldn't be too hard to pick up, but, I've got enough items on my plate right now.  Plus, there is a big space limitation for me as well.

Anyhow, we noticed that they had custom-made shower curtains.  This was the fabric we picked out.  It's time we upgraded from out plastic, fish and plastic-googly eyed shower curtain to something a bit more modern and mature.  I think it will look great.  Favorite boy made a great call on this selection.  Simple, but great.

I think I'm going to give the studio another run tonight.  Last week was challenging - running into some re-production issues.  Well, it's always a learning and improving experience.  Positive thinking is the key for tonight!

TA-DA!

I FINALLY have my website up and running. It's been over two years in the making. I don't know WHAT took me so long, but sometimes, an artist's brain just isn't tuned into the finer, inner-workings of computers and codes...

Find me here: www.hsuleedesigns.com

Yay!

I'm Up To Something...

stayed tuned.  have happy news!

Vertigo

A new piece in the works...

It's been a long Monday...

Starry-Eyed Surprise

Btw, here is a picture of another new line I'm working on, called Starry-Eyed Surprise.  I've got quite a ways to go with this piece so far, but it's something I threw together one night I was feeling inspired.  These are argentium sterling discs.  I used a torch and fine silver wire to connect the discs together.  I used a metal hole punch and a jeweler's saw and a burnisher to get the various effects you see on this piece.  I think this one will be pretty fun.  I have a lot more playing around with it to do.  Enjoy!

If At First You Don't Succeed....

So, I was working on a little post.  Had pictures posted- written a bunch of whimsical nothings and then Safari shut down and I lost it all.  Oh well.  No point in crying over vanished posts.

Maybe, I thought, that this was the computer/internet/www's way of saying they didn't like the topic?  It was just a short little chapter on coffee and chickens.  So anyway, just to play it safe, I thought I'd show you a couple of pictures of my little studio.

It is a small space.  I mean, SMALL.  But it is comfortable, inviting and lovely.  I'm on the fourth floor in the building and out of my window, is a view of the Castro Hills.  I have a door that shuts and locks, so I don't need to worry about my supplies, etc.  There is a little sink (with cold water only), which is extremely convenient for my work.  You are seeing a view of my jeweler's bench (which I adore) and I have an easel tucked behind that against the wall.

This is my little art wall for inspiration.  Some of my favorite little pieces are hung up such that when I look up from my bench work, I can see some of the simple things that make me happy.  Btw, the mirror isn't a reflection of narcissism.  The sink is right below it and it's helpful for me to "test" my freshly finished pieces and have a mirror to help critique it.

As for this little jewel of a brush- it's a brass brush and it's a jewelry maker's best friend.  It has always amazed me how it cleans a piece of metal that you've just torched or dumped into kool-aid.

That's it for now.  Hope you all are having a good Saturday!