Two more China Shard Rings

contact me either email or fb message me if interested in anything you see!!!

MOTHERS DAY ON SUNDAY!

 Just email or FB me if you're interested in any of these pieces. Bruce has many more but I'm lacking photos of them, so guess what he's doing today???
  Stay tuned in for more goodies!!!

"Butkus" Oil Painting of a Bull Mastiff

Day #1 Under painting, drawing and proportions

 I almost never take on commissions in metal or paint. I think the reason for feeling this way has to do with the fear of being overwhelmed by the anticipation and expectations of the person doing the commissioning. The joy I find from painting comes from the freedom to create and the personal satisfaction of the process. Accepting a commission means I have to have another's satisfaction in my head!
  So why did I accept this commission? I don't know! Maybe because I've never painted a domestic animal before and it was more about the challenge. In any case I'm pleased to say after three days of painting that I'm happy with the results.

Day #2 Blocking in, values added

Day #3 Contrasts, Details, Background, Signature

Three handstamped Ear Cuffs

My daughter Katie was the inspiration for these ear cuffs. I was able to use two of my newly created stamps from "Two Moon".  I think the results are rather handsome! Thanks Kate!

Four new rings

 Remember the blue willow china pattern? You know, the Japanese scene with the bridge and the pagoda in the background with the birds flying over head as the little figures walked over the bridge? There were so many remakes of this pattern that at one time they were everywhere.
This shard came from one of those thrift shop finds. I ground the shape with a slight curve on one side of the oblong triangle and set it in sterling with three silver balls to one side. Its a size seven and I sawed a balloon on the back plate. I like to give my pieces a little personal whimsy and it's different each time. $70

 This little cobalt blue shard is from an antique plate that was broken. A shop owner gave it to me. I guess it was too far gone to save but I love the pieces I was able to get from it...flowers. I used a fancy bezel and bent the tops over much like a prong setting. I did grind down the tops so there would be nothing to catch or scratch. Again the back has a little cut out surprise...a music note. Size 8. $70

 Simple and classic setting for this pretty Turquoise stone. Size 9.5 and a little star fish cut from its back plate. $95

Another wonderful Lake Michigan beach stone. These rocks never ever cease to amaze me. I use them exactly how mother nature gave them up to me...tumbled in it's greatest lake for who knows how many years or hundreds of years. This little gem has a granite look to it...multiple shades of grey(not to be confused with 50 shades!) I used one of my favorite designs to surround it...the vine and berry look! Its a size 8 and the little surprise on the back is a paw print! $75

More Florida inspired Oils

new bracelet

More Florida inspired creations

friends

"Friends" Oil on 9.5x11 wood panel

The Fire Gods have spoken!

Another load of pottery ready to be unloaded at the studio.

More Small Oils

Florida Inspired!

OK so I'm still really enjoying my oils. I even love the smells! I never thought I'd be painting Florida subject matter but hey...why not? I'm loving the use of Phthalo Blues and Greens. Here are some small oils done on wood. The sizes range from 4x6 to 6x7, and up to 11x14. First I use wood gesso on the surface, sand the surface smooth and paint with Red Oxide or Burnt Sienna to give more depth to the images.

Thomas and Thomas Home Show at the Windjammer

March 26 Sunday 11am - 6pm
Bruce and I will be having an Open House at our Windjammer
Condo. Bruce's pottery will be available as well as my
Handmade and original Sterling jewelry. This year I'll be showing
a series I've been working on for both my small paintings and jewelry.
The series is inspired by Florida flora, fauna, and tropical subjects in general. You

Florida Series

So, I've been down here in Florida during our winter hibernation period now for um, seven years? Wow, where does the snow fly?! Well anyway, I've finally decided it might be fun to try to create those tropical images I was painting last year into silver! So here are the beginnings of the Sunny Series: I began with earrings. I'm using the layering technique by cutting four equal size and shape pieces of silver, filing edges and cutting an image from two. I then stamp a texture or grind a texture on the uncut pieces. I solder the cut over the uncut, solder a ring at the tops and hang them with my hand made ear hooks. I use liver of sulfur to darken the details.

Our booth at the Oak and Ivy Christmas Show

Hi friends,
  We are here for our third year at the Oak and Ivy Bed and Breakfast Christmas Show in Rome, New York. The wonderful smells are everywhere from the baking and cooking going on in the kitchen, sounds of Christmas music and the beautiful decorations everywhere. Fred Rice has once again worked his magic in this beautiful Victorian home.

For Jay from Bite bakery/cafe