What a year it was!

Another year has passed. It was full of creative energy, new ideas, challenges and achievements. But no resting on laurels! We already have new plans and new goals to achieve. Take a look on what our team members say about the passing year, their favourite 2012 creations and their New Year's resolutions for 2013.

Christine Street ( Chocolate and Steel ) chose this vibrant, lovely pendant. It clearly shows her love for colours. She says:

"2012 was the year of experimenting with resin for me. I have always created pieces that were black and white, line drawings for the most part. I love the bold clean lines of this piece. Plus I love being able to create color stories. I used to be a merchandiser for Anthropologie and my favorite part of my job was creating color stories. Color sets the mood and can evoke memories of a time passed. This color story reminds me of my roller skates when I was about 10. I always had hand-me-downs so while I grew up in the 80's my memories are of the 70's."

And what are her plans for 2013?

"This year I am going to work on lockets. I have SO many ideas for lockets but there is one in particular that I think is going to be a big hit. Not going to say too much about it yet though :) "

Bev Gallerani's (MangoTango) favourite 2012 piece is one of her stunning mermaid pendants. What does she love about this piece the most?

"I like the fact that there's a lot to look at in this piece.  Detail and texture have become the hallmarks of my work, and I think this piece adequately captures my love of the sea (and of mermaids!).  I like the way her tail wraps around the boro glass cabochon and the seemingly random spray of seashells floating about."

Bev knows exactly what she wants to achieve the next year:

"My 2013 goal is twofold: To do quite a bit more bezel setting of cabochons (to help whittle down my ridiculously huge stash of pretties) and do more work in bronze and copper.  I'd also like to downsize and simplify some of my more elaborate works to make them more affordable to my customers."

 This lovely bracelet by Evelyn Pelati (Evelyn Pelati Jewelry) represents a big step for her this year.

"It is my first time incorporating solid gold instead of gold overlay. And with the cost of precious metals, it was kind of scary! But I like how it turned out. Also, this design is a new one I created and I've been having fun making a whole line of variations on this bracelet."

This year ends for Evelyn with another wonderful achievement. She is a cover girl of the newest issue of Metal Clay Artist Magazine with her beautiful concrete "Sea flower" brooch! Huge congratulations from the EMC Team again Evelyn!!! :)
She says:

"In the new year, I want to keep experimenting with new things, like concrete. I've been enjoying that."

 It's well known that Liz Hall (Lizards Jewelry) makes a lot of wonderful pieces. No wonder she said:

"It was difficult for me to choose my favorite or best piece, I have several I consider favorites from the very simple to complex and each for me has taught me new techniques and have given me new design ideas.  This piece I like for several reasons, it combines a lot of the materials I like to work in and several new works were derived from the design."

Next year Liz wants to continue her creative path:

"I am hoping to continue pushing my comfort zone and trying new materials, techniques and designs"

 This delicate necklace by Cherylyn Gnadt (c~lyn studio) has a deep meaning for her:

"This year has been difficult personally and creatively. But throughout it all, symbols of flight appeared in my path. Feathers of faith and wings of flight. This Monarch butterfly wing, bezel set, then encapsulated in resin, is a tribute to this rejuvenating year."

2013 is for Cherylyn a new awakening:

"I already feel the momentum starting now in the last few weeks of the year. I have some lofty goals, that I intend to put to the test ~ both with my work and business. The inspiration from this group really has kept me grounded. I know now is the time for new explorations and ideas."

Glenda Skarie (Adori L'Argento) as her favourite 2012 piece chose this lovely ring:

"I love metal clay because it enables me to express my passion for rings. I called this ring "Manta". I love the simple and calming feeling of the piece. This ring really captures my abstract thinking."

What are her plans for the next year?

"I just want to create. I want to do some more detailed work with textures, maybe learn how to use enamels. I also want to make necklaces, not just pendants." 

 Anna Mazoń ( Drakonaria ) had no problem with choosing her favourite 2012 piece:

"This piece, published on a cover of Metal Clay Artist Magazine, is for me a symbol of a very good, creative year. It really reminds me that I just have to work hard (AND have a lot of fun at the same time ;) ) to make good things happen."

Anna has a few clear New Year's resolutions set for herself:

"First of all I want to learn to edit myself and make cleaner designs. Secondly I want to enroll in Masters Registry. I spent a few months thinking this through and I just feel this really can help me grow. And last, but not least, I want to take part in Joy Funnell's Weekly Critter Challenge 2013 :)."

 Marta Grzywna - one of our newest team members - chose her amazing "The power of femininity" necklace as her 2012 favourite piece:

"It reminds me a shield and a sword - this is where the name came from :). I love the colours of this slice of agate and all these little gemstones used in the necklace were gathered to match the agate. I used to hate pink and orange together, and now I think it is very vibrant and feminine. Especially when the background of this duet is oxidized silver."

In 2013 Marta wants to focus on new designs:

"2013 is going to be a year of smaller and simplier designs. I want to concentrate on details trying to work according to the saying that "less is more"."


Happy New Year everyone! And make your own New Year's resolutions come true!