New Leaves

Today is a beautiful day in the mountains so while I've been working in the yard I've been picking small leaves. I waited through the long winter with so many ideas but no leaves so this year I've decided to pick leaves as I find them and give them 2-3 coats of silver paste. I can set them aside in a safe place to finish this winter as I work on new designs. I am also experimenting draping the leaves as they dry with various size objects. When I fire them I will support the areas as needed with bits of fiber blanket. Another reason to expand my flower beds.

Colorado Chapter of Art Clay World Society

What a great day I had yesterday with everyone here from the Colorado Chapter of Art Clay Society. I met such great new people and visited with old friends. Thank you each for coming and sharing your artwork with us.
Jen Lowe gave a great presentation on blogging and a short demonstration on quilling with silver paper.
Congradulations Sherry on completing your senior certification. Your class pieces are awesome. I am so happy for you and the opening of your new studio and classroom, "PaperSilverStone" and "Peacock Gallery" in Canon City, CO. I will be there as often as I can.
What a inspiration each of you are, and now, I really don't have anymore excuses to put off starting new designs.
To all my new friends from Grand Junction, CO. I am all for starting a day we can all get together once a month or as often as possible. Email or call anytime.

Spring

Just to touch base. I wanted to thank Feedjit for adding Israel's flag to their world map. It is great to see it included with all the other national flags. It is spring and yardwork has taken over my life for the moment. I have planted lots of flowers and a few vegetables. It has been right at freezing everynight so I have been covering the plants trying to keep them alive. We are also in the process of painting the exterior of the house as well as rockwork and finishing the deck we started last year.
I am working "slowly" on a new necklace and have several new sketches for designs. Some of these designs will be shown as patterns later.
The 28th of June we are having the Colorado Chapter meeting for Art Clay World at my home and I'm looking forward to meeting new members and visting with everyone.

Star of David eyeglass pen

This star of David eyeglass pen was made by rolling out 20 grams of clay and cutting it into a rectangle shape. Next I rolled out an additional 5 grams of clay and cut a second piece to lay over the top Attach it by brushing on a layer of silver paste. Fill the edges with paste or by using the syringe. Cut out a small opening for the glass frame to slide through. Attach a brooch finding to the back.

I sand my pieces in the greenware stage using all grits of sandpaper before attaching any embellishments. Embellishments can be made at any time with left over clay and stored for later use. I've been saving the clay star for some time and when I was invited to a Brit Milah cermoney, it was fast and easy to make something special.

Leaf Ear Rings

There are a variey of ways to use leftover beads and clay from previous projects. These simple ear rings were made by pressing left over clay into a leaf mold. Eye screws were attached to the back of the leaves. Once dry, sand and fill any areas needed and fire. Swarovski beads were used for sparkle with sterling silver ear wires.

Quilled Ear Rings

This is a nice way to use leftover quilled pieces that are made from silver paper. I rolled out a small piece of metal clay and set the quilled pieces on that attaching them with paste and then cut around the shape. I inserted pure silver findings from Art Clay World between the roses and leaves. After firing I used a soft brass brush to burnish the pieces leaving the very centers with a little of the white firescale for contrast.You can also set fired pieces of quilling on sheet silver and attach them with oil paste.

Krafty Lady molds

Krafty Lady of Australia is making a mold for me of the mask you see here on my blog, "Masquerade". Once it is ready to market I will be selling the molds here and will include instructions on how to use the them. Using molds allow the beginner to make detailed pieces without the worry of design. If you find a mold that you like and then make and add emblishments you can create a variety of different pieces for special occasions.

I will keep you informed as to when the mold will be ready for sale.
Meanwhile, our new puppy has kept me busy potty training her and trying to teach her not to chew. Her jaw reminds me of the venus fly trap. Everything that moves is up for grabs. Otherwise she is a doll. She is 7-1/2 weeks of flapping ears, sad eyes, elephant feet and an expression to melt your heart. "Sophie" is our new boxer puppy.