Using "The Break-Up Ring" To Stay Connected

These days, my life seems to be all about making new connections: with information, with skills, with people. Maybe you've experienced times like this when things just all come together. It seems like all the divergent parts of your life are having meetings while you sleep and you wake up and wonderful synchronicity appears before your.  The pieces connect and you reap the benefits.

Two of the many interests and passions that I have are reading and jewelry. It seems unlikely to me  that these very different interests would end up forging a connection in my personal life. And yet, that is what has happened.  Recently these loves have come together in a wonderful way to help me stay connected with the most important love in my life, my husband.

For Better
I enjoy reading about to the "do's and don'ts" of relationships and marriage which is why was inspired to  read the new book For Better: The Science of a Good Marriage by Tara Parker-Pope which examines the scientific data surrounding why marriages fail or succeed. One gem of wisdom that I found in this book is that all those little nice things that you do for each other every day really do make a difference long term. So go ahead, write him a mushy text or email. Hide something in her car. He/She will love it. It's not too much to ask in the name of staying connected. In light of this realization, when a recent piece of jewelry that I made caught the eye of my man (who's normally not the jewelry wearing type) I knew I was staring one of those "nice little things" right in the face.
 
Want to know what it was? Have I built up enough suspense? Ok ok. It was a totally bad-ass ring that I made in a class I attended at Bead Fest in PA. I took a Lisa Claxton workshop called "The Break-Up Ring" so named because she created this ring in the aftermath of a relationship break up. It was a short and sweet class that totally delivered. I finished my ring and wore it proudly during the 5 hour drive home. When I got home and my husband saw the ring, he immediately took it off my hand on put it on his pinky finger, looked at it for about 30 seconds and promptly asked me to make him two of them. To be worn on the same finger at the same time. Connected. (I'm working on that. It might be a while.)

 

Making A Connection
Since then, the Break-Up Ring has somewhat ironically (given it's name) taken on a special meaning between us. We wear our wedding bands, but this is different. Due to our jobs, we are not in the same state very often, nor can he wear this ring while he is working. So this ring has become something of a time-share for the two of us. When he's not wearing it, it's with me. And at the risk of sounding like a smitten school girl, for me it represents a special connection to him. I know he loves that I made the ring, and loves wearing it because of that. (And because it's freakin' awesome!) After all, he's my biggest fan. Seeing him wear this ring with such obvious pride is a  reminder that he's on my team and in my tribe, giving me support on my creative journey. Having your spouse on your team is a really good thing. I'm confident that Tara Parker-Pope would agree.

Your turn! Do you have any rituals or objects that represent a special connection to someone in your life? I'd love to hear about them!

Get Ready for Arti Gras!

Anderson Alley Artists will be hosting Arti Gras in conjunction with First Fridays on Friday March 3 and Satuday March 4.  Many artists will have open studios and guest artists will be in the hallways. Although I'm not able to participate in this event as a guest artist,  I really look forward to attending!

On Twitter now!

I too, am a tweeter. On Twitter. Find me @MicheleKurpisz

Creative Christine Marsh

Recently I had the delightful pleasure of meeting Christine Marsh, a super talented, unique and amazing person. Check out her visionary and whimsical art, to borrow her own very apt description.
http://christinemarsh.com/
http://christinemarsh.net/
http://www.zazzle.com/Beautiful_Things

Sometimes you meet people and you're just so glad that you did.

Adopt a Big Dog

This is not strictly related to my artistic pursuits, but it is something near and dear to my heart--dogs. This month, my 13 year old puppy Niko passed on. A friend sent me a link to Big Dogs Big Hearts a local group which rescues bigger dogs many of them German Shepherds (my favorite breed) and provides foster care until they can be adopted. I wish I could adopt them all...

Giveaway on RNEST!

Happy Solstice in a few hours, with a lunar eclipse to boot! I hope you are all enjoying the holiday season. Rochester, NY has never been prettier in all it's snowy glory. Record breaking snows this year have really put me in a festive mood.

To celebrate the season, I'm giving away a pendant on the RNEST blog. If you're not a follower, you may want to check us out! These are some of the most seriously creative, talented and hardworking people around, and I count myself lucky to know them and be a part of this group. Here's a picture of the reversible pendant I'm giving away:

I wish all of you and your families a very fulfilling, health, and prosperous year in 2011!

October 16 Victor PTSA Arts and Crafts Sale

This Saturday 10/16  at the Victor Intermediate School, 953 High Steet I'll be in their Arts and Crafts show. Hours are 9-4.  Free to PTSA members, $1 admission. Crafts, food, raffle prizes. Bring a non-perishable food item for the Victor-Farmington Food Cupboard and receive a free raffle ticket.

Giveaways from RNEST-Rochester area Etsy Artists!

RNEST is a group of Rochester area artists and crafters who all have shops on Etsy, a website devoted to handmade items. To celebrate fall, RNEST is doing a bunch of giveaways. You can get more details at http://rochesternystreetteam.blogspot.com/2010/10/wednesday-wellspring-trick-or-treat.html I'm one of the RNEST artists with an item to be given away. The main idea of the giveaway is to look for pictures of candy hidden in different Etsy shops. The more you find, the more entries you can get in the giveaway, which means more chances to win!
Happy Candy Hunting!

Cozy Cowl in Progress

As the weather turns colder we all start reaching for something that will provide a little extra warmth. Neck cowls are a fantastic trend and I'm trying my hand at one that will be sure to stand out. The one on my loom right now is a sort of a woven interpretation of a Black and Tan. And if you have too many of them, things do indeed start swirling, much like the pattern. Or so I'm told.

I'm hoping to have this off the loom and up for sale by this Sunday, when I will be doing Artist Row at the Rochester Public Market. Rain or shine, I'll be there. Really, really hoping for no rain, and for temperatures at least in the 60's. If not , I'll be modeling a scarf, cowl, and wrist warmers simultaneaously!

Stephanie Lee Homesteader's Metalsmithing Class

If you're looking  for a little kickstart to your creativity, I do recommend taking a class with Stephanie Lee. I'm just finishing up on online class, Homesteader's Metalsmithing.  I've really enjoyed it. Sometimes in classes there is more "down time" than I would prefer even with the best of instructors. In this format, I can do what I want, when I want, which suits my personality (and limted time) quite well.  Another plus to this class was that  most of the material was brand new to me, so I feel it was time well spent, for sure.

I had heard of some of the techniques covered, but never tried them. Taking this class was one way to give myself  "permission" to purchase the supplies I need to try new techniques, and to devote precious minutes to experimentation and making things that won't necessarily end up for sale. This class has inspired me to make sure I set aside the time to engage in creative play and artistic exploration.

Here's a picture of an experimental piece I made. It was intended as a way to use my bottlecap magnets as pendants. The magnet it removable so it can be changed out to match an outfit or a mood. The concept works but the execution needs some fine tuning since it's much clunkier than I prefer. Still, it was something I would not have thought of without taking this class so I call it a win even though it's not the most elegant piece I ever made.

Show Schedule Updates

Things have been humming right along. Did the Bread and Water show in Rochester and then the Braddock Bay Red Tail Day show on back to back weekends. Despite a few road bumps, I really loved every minute of it! Many of the crafters and artists that I've met are like long lost friends. We admire (and purchase!) each other's work, commiserate, swap stories and in general speak the same language.

I've received my acceptance notification for a few more shows:

September 19 Artist Row  Rochester Public Market
October 23 St. Rita's School Holiday Craft Sale in Webster
October 16 Victor PTSA Holiday Craft Show

Now that there's no denying the cool weather is coming, gift buying season is right around the corner so I better get to it!

Bread and Water Theatre

I just found out about a really cool show for musicians and artists taking place this weekend! I'm hoping to be a vendor but I just applied a few minutes ago.

From their website:

"Last year, Bread & Water Theatre launched its first ever Recession Art Show and Sale to help struggling artists and musicians show their work to the general public to great success. To continue that work, BWT is taking the idea behind this one time event to make Bread & Water Theatre's Music and Art Fair an annual event dedicated to showcasing up-and-coming artists and musicians who live and work in the Rochester area. This event will be held inside and on the grounds of 243 Rosedale St. (at the corner of Monroe Ave. and Rosedale St.) on August 14th and 15th from 2-8pm. "

Anticipation Overdrive

No, it's not a new band name, but it does describe my frame of mind right about now! I am so excited to do the Lima Crossroads Festival tomorrow, I can barely contain myself. A lot of sweat equity (literally) has gone into the preparation of my booth and my inventory.You know all those humid days we've had here in Rochester recently? When I wasn't sweating inside my studio, I was sweating outside creating a my tent display fighting mosquitoes all the while. But it's going to look great.

I also am very excited to start an online class this Monday with phenomenal artist Stephanie Lee. I first learned of her existence in a recent issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry. That's a $15 an issue magazine. That's right, *$15*. Anyone who knows me really well knows I appreciate the value of a dollar, so the fact that I opened my wallet for it is a true testament to the caliber of projects featured in it. The March/April/May issue might have well been called "A Tribute to Stephanie Lee". Along with a piece featuring an interview and a project by her, almost every other artist in the magazine cited her as their inspiration or credited her with the technique used in their project. I decided that I had to check it out for myself, so I picked up her book Semiprecious Salvage. Then I Googled her, and found out from her blog that not only is she a true artist, gifted writer, and saavy business woman (all qualities which I greatly admire) but she was offering an online class. Took my about 2 minutes to decide I wanted to take the class.  Serendipity is a wonderful thing.

2010 Show Schedule

In one week, I'll be participating in my first outdoor show, at the Lima Crossroads Festival from 9 am to 6 pm. The weather looks good and I'm hoping it stays that way.

My intention is to participate in 10 shows this year, a significant increase from the past. Shows that have not yet been confirmed are indicated with an asterisk * . Check back for updates on shows that are scheduled for more than a month away.


August 7 Lima Crossroads Festival   9am to 6pm.

*August 14 +15 Bread and Water Theatre Art and Music Festival Saturday and Sunday 2-8pm Rochester, NY

August 22 August Red Tail Day  Event Flyer  Braddock Bay  Greece, NY  9am - 4   $3 admission                              Event benefits Braddock Bay Raptor Research.

September 11 + 12  Mendon Station Festival 12 pm -7pm Saturday,  12pm - 5pm Sunday

September 18   UCCC Craft Sale  9am - 5 pm  Webster United Church of Christ 
                       570 Klem Road, Webster NY, 14580   (585)671-3757

*September 19 Artist Row 10am-4pm  at the Rochester Public Market. Outdoor event.

The Public Market is located in the northeast part of Rochester, at 280 North Union Street, approximately three blocks north of East Main Street. View a map.  Parking exists in lots within the Market gates, but is limited and often jam-packed. There is a Market lot outside the Union Street gate, and street parking and additional pay lots on Railroad Street and in the wide Public Market District.

October 16   Victor PTSA Holiday Craft Show   9am -4pm
                      Victor Intermediate School 953 High Street, Victor NY 14564

 *October 23 St. Rita's School Holiday Craft Sale  1008 Maple Drive
Webster, NY 14580-1726

November 6 Mayday! Underground Crafts + Art Village Gate Center  Rochester, NY details to be announced.


*November 20 Church Mouse Bazaar  9am -4pm  at Gates Presbyterian

*December 3 (Fri.) - 4 (Sat.) Andersen Alley December Gala.  Hours TBA

*December 11 Spencerport Lions Annual Craft Show 9am -3:30pm  Terry Taylor Elementary School 399 Ogden-Parma Rd.

Back to work preparing....

2010 Show Schedule

Talking to people who stop by my booth is a very positive and energizing experience. It's always exciting when someone makes a purchase (of course!) but the positive feedback and interesting conversations I've had with people at the shows I've done are part of what keeps me motivated to keep doing this. It's a barometer of sorts that lets me know what's working or what I need to work on.

I've decided to take a leap of faith and do some outdoor shows this year. Being naturally risk averse with a weather related comfort zone of about 70 - 73 degrees, it seemed like too much cost and trouble. But, this year I've made a commitment to doing more of what I love (making beautiful things) and expanding my business. And in NY state, that include being a vendor at outdoor shows in the summer!

I'm looking forward to the experience of doing more than 3 shows this year. It will take a lot of hard work in every spare moment of my free time to make enough stock but I think I can do it. If things don't work out as well as I hope, then I will reassess when I make my plans next year. I've got a good feeling though.

As soon as I am accepted to shows, I will post my schedule !

Magnet Madness

Mayday Underground was a really fun show! I met a lot of great Rochester artists and I was very impressed with the quality and variety of the crafts represented at the show. Best of all, my magnets were very well received. I now have a new obsession which consists of finding what else I can put into a 1" circle...

Mayday!

Tonight I'm gearing up for the Mayday! Underground Craft + Art show. This is the first "indie" type show I've done and really I'm looking forward to the experience and meeting some new people. I've been perusing the websites of the other artists  and I've seen some really cool, fun, interesting and cute things that I just know I'm going to want to take home with me.

I've also been getting back in tough with my crafty side, making some bottlecap magnets and some adorable handstitched fabric flower pins which I will have at the show tomorrow. I had so much fun making this stuff. The nearly instant gratification of being able to complete a project in less than  7 hours is semi-intoxicating for me. I hope it's well received because there's no way I can ever use 275 magnets...

I've been on a weaving hiatus. My grand plans to take a weaving course to help me past my phobia of theory never materialized, but I've not been idle. In fact I think that's a physical impossibility for me. Currently I'm taking two Beginning Jewelry classes simultaneously at the Memorial Art Gallery. Two teachers, two different approaches. That's kind of why I wanted to take two at once, because I know there's always multiple ways of accomplishing a goal and there's something to be said for looking at the same task from two different viewpoints. I feel that having two approaches really enriches the whole experience. Plus I get to practice my sawing skills twice as much.

I'm on the verge of submitting my first jewelry project for potential publication. This has been a goal of mine for about, oh, the last 15 years. I think we all have something in the back of our mind that we know we could do, really well, if we just sat down and did it. Well, I'm as close as I've ever been right now. I designed a square stitch bracelet in seed beads, actually wrote up directions and thread path diagrams, and all I have to do is get it on my computer then send it out into the world.  Honestly, just the act of submitting it for publication is going to be a huge checkmark on my life's to do list. Hopefully this is going to be an action that propels me forward. If it gets accepted, I will probably cry. No, I will *definitely* cry.

I also took an introductory class with Bronze PMC. The think I like best is that it costs about a third or possibly even a fourth of what silver PMC costs. Studio 34  located just off of University Ave. sells metal clay in silver, copper and bronze. Not to mention a selection of jewelry making tools and supplies that is second to none in the Rochester area, as far as I know. Prices are competitive, but there's a lot to be said for being able to walk in, check of the goods, and see an item close up before plunking down the cash.  Volume discounts are also available, which is a nice perk for bargain hunters like me. I recommend Studio 34 for anyone interested in jewelry making of any kind, including hot glass, metal, metal clay, and beadweaving. They also have a small knitting store withing the studio  "Dances With Wools". Possibly the best kitchy yarn store name ever created.

Coming soon: photos of my first jewelry pieces from the classes I'm taking now

PMC... I love you!

A few months ago I decided to take a class in Precious Metal Clay (PMC). This stuff is nothing short of miraculous. It's made of tiny bits of ground up silver in a clay-like binder that leaves fine silver (.999 silver) after firing by torch or kiln. The first class pretty much turned my world upsidedown. After a decade of working with fiber and beads using color as my main focus and inspiration, I was suddenly without a palette. Texture and form would have to become my new muses. I was overwhelmed with the possibilities and I struggled with learning how to manage this material and not wash it down the drain.

I'm currently taking another PMC class taught by Alicia Fink and this time I came prepared. I read some books and articles by CeCe Wire (yes, that's really her name) and Barbara Becker Simon, and found much inspiration by seeing the amazing pieces that they and others have created. I learned that I can make the shiny metal jewelry that I love to wear, but still add color with stones, patinas, or enameling.

Tonight I decided to try my hand at torch firing. (Note: These are made from PMC3. It's my understanding that only PMC3 can be torch fired.) As pictured, it was like breathing life into little lumps of clay. Never mind that I partially melted at least 3 of the 6 pieces. Fortunately they are small and had a funky texture to begin with so no harm was done.

The best part is knowing that I'm just beginning and imagining what I'll create.

Time to Excel

I've fallen off my schedule of completing 1 woven item every 2 weeks. The wedding shawl is still on the loom, and will probably stay on another week. It would have been completed yesterday were it not for the intense upper back pain I was experiencing and 40 minutes of weaving aggravated it quite badly. Reluctantly I realized I could not finish it off.  I had to leave the house though, or else I would have finished it, back pain or no, and probably made a sore muscle into a muscle spasm. Today it's still sore and I haven't dared to weave, but I will try again before I sleep tonight.

One possible source for a stressed back muscle is the sawing I've been doing in my jewelry class. Two weeks ago, I completed the first project, a simple brass ring, and I couldn't wait to move on to the next. Last week  we started a sterling silver ring which will have a cabochon (flat backed, domed stone) on it.We had learned to pierce and saw out during our first class so I wanted to apply that to this ring. When one of the other students noticed I had pierced and sawed out a design in the shank of my ring rather than keeping it solid, she dubbed me "Ms. Fancy Pants". I was amused!

I have to say that this jewelry making class may have changed the course of the rest of my life. I have read about people having moments of clarity, enlightenment, or epiphany and this is as close to one of those as I have ever experienced. I talked a classmate about my struggle in deciding what to focus on. I explained that with my energy going in so many different directions, I felt that there was a limit to how "good" I could get in any  medium, and that I really wanted to do exactly that.  "Time to excel?" she said.  Past time to excel. Way past.

My Stuff's on Etsy!

It has begun! 5 items listed tonight, the rest to follow in the next 10 days!  I can do this, I can do this...