Our LITTLE show!

Hi,
  I usually don't "blog" text, just images and the process by which we create them but I thought maybe this time I might write about our newest idea for a "home show" in hopes that you will comment on it and let us know what your thoughts are on the idea.
  Bruce and I collaborate, as you know, on many of our creations and so many times we just put the results in our shop or just out there on the internet or for the elaborate pieces: galleries. One day this winter while driving to Katie's, we talked about how many small pieces we've both been working on
for one reason or another. The conversation began to sound like we were preparing for a gallery show, which often times contains a common thread throughout. Bruce came up with the idea of having a show of "littles" at our house in 2015 (oh and here we are!) So we were so excited by the prospect of having a theme we could both work with that we presented it to Katie and asked her if she would like to join us....and here we are! Kate's been working on some "little" baby booties that she makes from felt and hand sews. Her fairy sculptures are always a hit and fit in with our "little" theme as well. Now she's been working on beautiful children's book illustrations. We are all very excited to do this and putting it all together will be so much fun.
  If you have any ideas about when, how long or what should be in the show, please feel free to "comment" button below and let us know.  We are thinking early Fall right now but nothing has been decided. Thanks for tuning in.
Cat

Newest "little" 3x8 inch oil painting on wood "Kitchen Totem" $38

Oil on wood, 3x8",

3x8 inches IS really "little"!

Japanese Flower Chainmaille

Original Sketch, bottom drawing

Necklace and matching earrings

All components are hand made.

 Friends often ask me how I make each jump ring, composing, and connecting it all together. I keep thinking that I should ask Bruce (the real photographer) to photograph each of the steps along the way, but then "life happens" and I start a pot of sauce or run to the store and the next thing I know its 11pm and I'm working on my chain maille and you KNOW I'm not going to ask Bruce to set up his photography equipment to photograph anything!!! So...I'm going to try to explain as best as I can the process I go through for these pieces. I first begin with sterling wire of various gauges. I wrap them around a small metal mandrel held tight by my bench vice, cut them apart with my jeweler's saw and sort them by size. To make the ear wires, I start with 20 gauge wire and cut to size, use a jig to make the shapes and hammer tops to work harden them. The rest involves using a "pattern" or recipe if you will, to follow and with two flat nose pliers and my trusty magnifier headpiece, I connect the jump rings by hand into what you see above. The beads I use are crystal and for me, add a little color and reflection. The closures for my necklaces I make by balling up the end of a small wire and shaping it into a hook which then hooks into a larger jump ring to finish the piece. Whew....if it sounds like a lot it really really is and is probably why I only make chainmaille jewelry once in awhile. Thank you for reading and please comment or ask questions below by clicking on the "comment" button.

Japanese Flower Chainmaille in Sterling Silver

Original sketches. I decided against the stem and leaf
idea because it was a poor design, as the stem would have
been catching and hooking into clothing...especially sweaters. The design to the right (flower hanging from a
straight wire) was appealing to me and I added a small flower on either side. (photo at right)










 

Close up of finished set. Earrings below, to match. I added matching beads to the closure hook.

Matching earrings

Finished necklace and earrings