EMC Team Member Abroad - A workshop with Anna Mazon

 

It was an excited group of students that gathered in the beautiful North Yorkshire Moors in early May to attend a workshop with Anna Mazon who had come over to the UK from Poland to teach.

 

Anna makes wonderful intricate work, and you can see examples on her website and in her Etsy shop Drakonaria.  

 

The workshop was organised by Lynne Glazzard and was held in her lovely studio in Glaisdale, not too far from Whitby. The view from outside the workshop across the dale (above) was just beautiful!

 

Anna was going to teach us how to make her Herbarium Pendants, and had made some workshop samples for us to pick up, study, coo about, and aspire to!

 

 

Over the two days Anna gave us frequent demonstrations of all the techniques she uses to make the pendants.

 

 

Her English was excellent, which was just as well because our Polish was non existent!! Throughout the weekend there was much laughter and hilarity, including about how we pronounce some particular words!! There are many peculiarities in our English language!

 

 

This another piece of Anna's and you can see the detail and precision she achieves.

 

When she demonstrated the leaves and flowers apparently these were large ones so we could see them! You can see the pencil beside them for size comparison.

 

Anna works in such a small scale that in between the laughter, at times there was total silence in the room, we were all concentrating so hard.

 

  It was enough just to remember to breathe when creating the tiny embellishments!

 

 Some of Anna's ways of working were not for all us of though! I know I would not be able to get my knee up to this position, below, for stone setting!! I just went with putting my piece on the table for that bit!!!

 

By lunchtime on day 2 our pieces were ready for the kiln.

 This was my piece below, I was delighted with all I had learnt and what I managed to achieve. Of course I had to add a little Critter into my piece for my Weekly Critter Challenge. Can you spot the birdie?

 

 

Here are some of the partially finished pieces.

 

I took this photo of my finished piece later at home once I had patinated it.

 

On the Saturday evening Lynne had arranged for us all to go into Whitby for a fish and chip supper down by the harbour. The weather was kind and it was a beautiful evening...

 

 

... followed by a walk all the way to the end of the pier for some of us afterwards!

 

 

 

 

It was a wonderful workshop. I certainly learnt a host of new skills. My thanks to Lynne and to Anna.

 

If you get a chance to take a workshop with Anna Mazon I highly recommend it. I'm sure she will be doing more travelling abroad to teach in the future so do keep a look out for her.

 

Joy Funnell

 

Finally... as part of my Weekly Critter Challenge I always write a poem to go with each piece. This is my poem inspired by the workshop with Anna.

 

From Poland she came to the North Yorkshire Moors
Excited we gathered to learn from her lore
With great skill and patience her secrets she told
And exquisite examples were there to behold
We learnt how to work in a manner so small
Techniques so absorbing you could hear a pin fall
Our final results we will all proudly wear
Thanks to Anna Mazon -
Artist Extraordinaire

 

 

Feel the Love

With Valentine's Day fast approaching there is love in the air.

 

But when it comes to jewellery it doesn't have to all be about hearts.

 

In the language of love, words can say so much...

 

KFEHRdesigns

 

...or be so inspiring.

 

Drakonaria

 

Giving flowers has always been a way to express love.

 

Gorgeous enamelled flowers...

 

NIKJewelry

 

 

beautiful multilayer booms on rings...

 

lynncobb

 

or a delectable simple blossom ring...

 

PeculiarForest

 

Rings, of course, are a traditional love gift, and red is the colour of love.

 

Beautiful transparent reds with classical lines...

 

WearableByDesign

 

and bold solid reds on geometric designs. 

 

AdoriLargento

 

Pendants with modern retro swirls and red accents...

 

evelynpelati

 

and sunny red coral earrings, to emphasise the happiness of love.

 

EmeraldWaterHawk

 

But love can also be fun!

 

We all love a cute little character which gives us that warm feeling inside...

 

A fairytale bunny...

 

AnnaSiivonen

 

or some adorable owls.

 

lulubugjewelry

 

Love is all encompassing; it draws us in and keeps us enveloped in its unending complexities, and the warmth at its heart. 

 

LisaBarthJewelry

 

Feel the love.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



EMC Charity Charm Bracelet!

Awhile ago the EMC Team had a charm exchange. All of the participants made extra charms with the hopes of donating a complete charm bracelet to a worthy cause. After some discussion the team decided to donate the latest charm bracelet to the Red Cross through Ebay Giving Works. 100 % of the sale of the Charm bracelet will go to the Red Cross. Please view the ebay listing here. The Charm Bracelet auction will end on May 12th! Please spread the word on this lovely bracelet it is for a good cause!

Description of Bracelet

This charm bracelet is composed of a sterling silver 7.5 inch cable chain with 21 handcrafted fine silver, copper and bronze charms. The charms range in size from 1/2 inch to 1 inch. These handcrafted charms were made by members of the Etsy MetalClay Team. The Etsy MetalClay team is a global group of jewelry artists and designers using silver, gold, copper and bronze metal clays to create their work. We strive to make innovative, unique, and boundary pushing designs -embracing both modern technology and old world traditions.The Etsy MetalClay Team would like to donate 100% of the sale of this charm bracelet to the Red Cross in a effort to help the people of Japan.

Etsy MetalClay Team Charity Charm Bracelet

The Etsy MetalClay Team did a charm exchange back in April of 2010. Each member made an extra charm so that a charm bracelet could be donated to charity. The EMC Team is currently auctioning off the above bracelet for the benefit of the organization of Autism Speaks.

Autism Speaks is a charity organization that was founded in February of 2005. This organization has become the nation's leader in raising funds for the scientific research in causes, treatment, prevention and ultimately a cure for autism. Autism Speaks strives to raise awareness of autism and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.

The charm bracelet is composed of a 7 inch sterling silver chain and 22 handmade charms composed of bronze, fine silver and copper. The charms range in size from a 1/2 inch to 1 inch in size. 100% of the proceeds from the ebay auction will be donated to Autism Speaks. The auction will end on November 14th at 6:00 pm PST. Thank you to the EMC team members who have donated charms and to those who have organized the charity auction. Please forward this information to as many as possible so that we can raise money and awareness for such a worthy cause.

You never know who you will meet

Lis-el Crowley of Heart of the Fire was teaching a metal clay class in Mystic, CT, when she received a very interesting visitor. The visitor looked strangely familiar so when Li-sel asked him "do I know you, you look so familiar?" The visitor responded "I am Joe Pantoliano."

Yes, Joe Pantoliano the well know character actor who has been in such hits as The Matrix, The Sopranos, Memento, and The Goonies just to name a few. Lis-el was teaching at a bead retreat when Joe wandered into her classroom. Joe Pantoliano was at the same retreat center for a different retreat. Joe bought Lis-el Druzy Necklace and another one of her necklaces. He was also sweet enough to pose for a picture with Lis-el Druzy necklace on. Goes to show you that you never now who will meet on any given day. Thanks Lis-el for sharing your story!

Lis-el Druzy Necklace

The Art of the Craft Show

Zoe Nelson Jury Application Photo

Karen West of Egg Tooth Originals has been kind enough to write a how to for finding and having a great craft show experience.

Ah….spring time. It’s been more than 3 months since the frenzy of the holiday season. You’re all rested, you’ve had time to make new designs, and now you want to get out there and show the world what you’ve created. Being a vendor at an art and craft show is a great way to get your product out in front of an audience, get to know who your target market really is, make new connections, and build your business. Here are a few tips to get you thinking about doing your first show.

How to find shows

The internet is a great tool for finding out what shows are out there. Of course, the most obvious way to find a show is to search on “art and craft shows in x location”, but there are other sources such as chamber of commerce web sites, local event calendars, or organization web sites. There are published guides to shows, such as Craftmaster News that are available for purchase. You might find it worth the money to subscribe for a year just to get a good list of events. One of the best sources for show information, however, is other vendors. You’ll be surprised and how willing many people are to share information, recommendations, tips, etc. Don’t’ be shy about asking.

Application process

Ah, applications. They are all different. Some are brief, requiring only a short description of the product you intend to sell, a photo or two, and your contact information. Others require multiple steps such as a description of your creation process, a resume, or information about how your art-making process is earth-friendly. You usually do not have a lot of space on applications for written sections (and jurors don’t want to read a memoir), so practice making your narratives brief and to the point. Most applications ask for a photo of your booth set-up. If you have never done a show, you may find yourself setting up your booth in your back yard just to get a jury photo.

Read each application carefully and thoroughly before you begin to fill it out. If something is not clear, ask the promoter for direction. Don’t procrastinate in returning the application. Some promoters schedule a jury after the application period closes and others fill slots as applications come in. Even when there is a scheduled jury date, some promoters may use the postmark date as a means to choose between two equally perfect submittals, especially when they are looking to balance categories of art work. And don’t be surprised that application periods close several months before the event date. An April deadline for a November show is not unusual.

Photographing for applications

The images that you submit with your application must show your work clearly without distortion or distraction. Taking a photo for an application is different than taking a photo for your website. There is a lot of guidance available on-line; you may even want to hire a photographer to take your jury photos. Or better yet, take a class in digital photography so that you can become a master of your jury photos. Some applications are very specific on how images should be titled, sized, etc., so pay close attention to instructions in the application.

Etsy Metal Clay members in the News!

Ruth Baillie's Steampunk Pendant

Several of our fellow EMC Team members have been received great press lately. Ruth Baillie of Birdland Creations was recently interviewed by Handmade Spark. To view the interview please click here. She is also part of Tonya Davidson's Master Muses. Both Lora Hart and Ruth Baillie are Master Muses on Tonya Davidson's Musing and Mullings Blog. Each week these master muses presents a metal clay project on Tonya Davidson Blog. Lora Hart's Steampunk Stenciled Pendant is up this week as Design Challenge Number 8. Ruth presented her Steampunk Stencil Balloon Pendant in Design Challenge Number 6 at the beginning of the month. I just love Tonya's blog, every Wednesday I look forward to the a new metal clay project presented by the master muses. After all the metal clay projects are presented on Tonya's blog, the projects in depth tutorials will become available to purchase on Tonya's Whole Lotta Whimsy website.

Lora Hart's Steampunk Pendant

Also Lorena Angelo was featured in the online magazine metalclaytoday.com. Congrats to Lorena for being the featured artist in Metal Clay Today Spring Issue.

Lorena's Tree of Life Pendant

Congrats to Souly Yours and a big Welcome to La Bella Luna Jewelry

Barbe's Awaken Necklace

Barbe Beaty of Souly Yours has been featured on Etsy "Quit your Day Job" storque article. A big congratulations to Barbe. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Barbe's featured article, it is always inspiring to read about those who have decided to take the plunge into becoming your own boss.

We also have a new EMC Team Member this month. Please help me welcome Evelyn Pelati Dombkowski of La Bella Luna Jewelry to the team. Evelyn was a package designer for 28 years before entering the jewelry field. Evelyn took a metal clay class from our own Lis-el Crowley of Heart of the Fire. The Connecticut Metal Clay community is becoming a very large talented circle of people. Evelyn has been working with metal clay for four years and is certified by Rio Grande. Welcome Evelyn, I hope you enjoy our little group as much as I do.

Evelyn's Fine Silver Bracelet

Charming

A couple of snapshots of the Etsy Metal Clay team charm bracelet that was donated to the Joe Andruzzi Foundation for its annual gala & auction this past November.  The bracelet contains 25 team charms as well as a special charm created for the foundation and featuring #63 Joe Andruzzi's famous 'finger point' pose from when the New England Patriots won the superbowl.

The team is currently debating where to donate a second bracelet where it will have the most impact.

Wearable By Design in Etsy Vote for Favorite Best Seller

I actually am fond of Etsy Voter series. It is a good way to be introduced to new work on Etsy you have never seen before. The latest Voting Poll is for Etsy Favorite Best Sellers over the Holiday Season. Jennifer Smith-Righter from Wearable by Design is in this latest Voting Poll. Her Silver Cuff Links - Bicycle Gear have made the list. Please help our EMC team member to the top of the list with your vote by clicking on this link! Congrats Jennifer! Well Done.

Welcome New Members to EMC Team

A big welcome to our two newest team members Kristi Bowman of Dream Some Designs and Tiffany Zadi of Heist Jewelry . Kristi has been working with metal clay for the last three months. She is inspired by nature and is experimenting with bronze and copper clays. I like the very deep textures in her pieces like the waves pendant pictured below.

Waves Pendant by Dream Some

Tiffany of Heist Jewelry has a very edge style that was recently found in the 2009 American Music Awards gift suite. Those lucky celebrities! I really like her bat wing pendant shown below. Check out Tiffany's blog at http://www.heistjewelry.blogspot.com/

Wing of the Bat by Heist Jewelry

Sue of Lulu Bug Jewelry featured in Etsy "Quit your Day Job Article"

I huge Congratulations to Sue of Lulu Bug Jewelry for being featured in Etsy "Quit your day job" article. Check out the article here. I have always been in awe of the fine detail in Sue's jewelry. Also I love Sue's unique use of tinted inlaid concrete in her pieces. Check out Sue's blog to see her latest tips on PMC fabrication. Congrats again to Sue.

Tiny Green Apple