Silver Leaf Natural Jewelry

06/27/2020

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I haven't made anything for about 8 months. But my white privilege can go away and continue to be quiet while speak. Hope we listen. Frankly, if you are puzzled by this post, take it as a sign that you have room to grow.

Artist Jordan Brooks is in the house, installing his work for the project. The pop up exhibit will open all around Main Street in downtown Ames on July 1. All exhibits are meant to be viewed from the sidewalk, so everyone can safely and easily participate. For more information about this project get the link in the comments below.

Thank you, Jordan!

04/19/2020

We have been self isolating since March 13. This virus is scary and there are so many emotions and so much worry. We worry about our family, our jobs, our friends. But I thought I would get so much work done "in my room" during all this time at home. But after more than a month, I have only just started messing around on Friday! (I have spent a lot of time working). But all I did the last 2 evenings was stamp some copper for some plant markers. Today, I polished my rollers on my rolling mill, melted some scrap copper and silver and rolled them flat. No plans to make anything with them, just using my tools...oh and I made a copper basket with scrap wire to use in the pickle pot because it's so dang hard to pull small things out with tongs.

So, don't give up hope. Try and do something just for you or try something new. Try not to get too upset if the result is not what you had in your head. Start simple. Cheer on those who are making their way in this mess. Be nice to others and please be patient. We need to keep up this self isolation for a while! Look to others for inspiration. My coworkers Rhonda and Beth have lots of fun ideas on the Octagon Center for the Arts fb page, check it out. My kids and hubby have been very inspiring through all of this too; painting a tiny painting every day, making a coronavirus pinata and making videos just to name some of the things they are doing. So look to others for motivation. But then also sit and eat 2 too many cookies too.😮

04/03/2020

Whether you're Van Gogh or a stick-figure sketcher, a new Drexel University study found that making art can significantly reduce stress-related hormones ...

01/30/2020

Pretty sure there is room in this class at the Octagon Center for the Arts!
https://octagonarts.org/events/maker-night-corded-necklaces-with-a-pendant/

01/28/2020

Oh my does time fly and it's time for classes already. Tonight, in just 3 hours, students who had no experience with metal created textured silver earrings with rivets and they also made the ear wires. That's a lot to accomplish in 3 hours! Very pleased with their results!

12/05/2019

11/18/2019

Always lots to learn. Improved engraving and again, I made the bezel too small so it had to be stretched. The bezel is 28 gauge silver instead of bezel wire. It is harder to push over. Overall I am pleased.

11/17/2019

Some solder and some rolling mill time today. The silver with the pattern is from a pattern I drew a few years ago and etched in nickel and rolled on to the silver with my rolling mill.

I think the ear wires are too long on the rectangles, any thoughts?