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...