How Do You Do It?

I don't know how y'all do it.

My past few weeks have been quite busy, filling orders one after the next, and going through the lessons in my class. I can't complain. My two children both attend full-time school, which leaves me with a large chunk of daytime working hours, and during those hours, work, I do. But somehow, I'm still working every evening too. And barely finding time for life's work, dinner, and oh, being a parent.

And then there's this wild and wonderful online community of folks who seem to do it all. With grace, and wit, and talent to spare.

Take Lisa, for instance. She home schools her four children, has a photography business, cooks up a storm, and finds time to write thoughtful, honest posts several times a week.

Erin got a surprising amount of posts published while she packed up her home and moved cross-country. And drove there with her two young kids.

Ella writes often, her blog full of gorgeous styling, very cool downloadable freebies, delicious recipes, and fun crafts--all while dealing with a health issue that effects her every day.

Heather is posting creative projects just a few short weeks after the birth of her third child. Oh, and she home schools her two older boys.

So many of you share so much, even when your husbands are far away for long periods of time and all the responsibilities of a family fall square on you (Erin, Emily, Francesca).

Valarie writes often on her three different blogs, in addition to her work as a composer/pianist,and if that wasn't enough, she just started her own publishing company and wrote a book.

Susie runs her busy illustration business, is pregnant with her third child, and is currently packing up/trying to sell her house, in preparation to their big move (newborn in tow) to a different country.

Me? I get a good healthy serving of what I have always wanted--an onslaught of jewelry orders--and I declare that something's gotta give. Total time-management wimp, I know.

I don't know how you all do it, but I'm in awe. (And I'm taking notes.)








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Taking The Plunge

Between a vacation to Florida, a stack of orders thanks to that print feature, another show to get ready for this weekend, and a class to prepare for, I am swamped. I kinda feel like the little one on the front of this log ride. Not even trying to hide the sheer terror of it all--teeth clenched, but going for it with my eyes wide open. Perhaps instead, I should shout out my battle cry, like "A" did. But then again, I could always just close my eyes and grasp on for dear life waiting for whatever happens to happen, like my other girl did. I don't know.

Whichever way I decide to handle it, I just wanted to say I'll be absent from this space, and from making the blog rounds, for about a week, as I take the plunge and catch up on my current roller coaster ride.

How a Rock Inspired a Party (and a pin)

I was perusing the 5 Orange Potatoes shop in the hopes that she-who-was-about-to-turn-seven would catch a glimpse of the screen and point out a favorite. Of course, she took the bait and flipped for this little pet rock.

From the moment she opened it, they have been inseparable, and it didn't take long for mustache mania to hit our home. It eventually end up as the theme of her birthday party, too. We cut out a mustache for each guest—one for every size and possible 'stache preference.

Well people, I'm here to tell you, that if you're ever looking for fun? Just add mustache. There is nothing more entertaining than a gaggle of girls running around in mustaches. And, while I'm sure you'd all love to see some pictures of that mustachioed madness, I didn't get any (shameful, I know). 

Luckily, I know a couple of girls that were happy to reenact the scene for the sake of the family photo album.

I caught a bit of the mustache bug too, and made a few little mustache brooches to commemorate this stage of hers. Picasso had his blue phase, Ruby has a mustache phase. 

Notes From the Jeweler's Bench

I have decided to start a new series called Notes From the Jeweler's Bench, that I will post once or twice a month. I'll use the installments of "Notes" to:
1. show what I'm up to in the shop
2. give you tours of my space, tools, and equipment
3. demonstrate a few techniques, to take the mystery out of some of what I do
4. teach a few basic jeweler's skills.

You don't have to aspire to be a jeweler in order to appreciate this series. I remember being completely mystified (and curious!) when woman I knew told me she made her own wedding ring. Notes From the Jeweler's Bench is going to show you a bit of metal-shop behind the scenes, so when someone tells you they made their own ring/earrings/necklace you can totally play it cool and ask, "oh, is that cast or fabricated?"

Are you up for it? I hope so. Today, I'm going to show you the progression of a concept from sketch to finished product.

So much of the sketching I do is really just doodling. I'm not even drawing jewelry—just stream of consciousness pencil moving. Often, when I come up with something interesting, I'll turn into a drawing of some sort of jewelry. Recently I was doodling the most basic of doodles, a curly-Q line around a shape, and bingo! I hit on something. It started like this:

...and ended up like this: (I had been playing with the idea of translating my Christmas cards into silver)

So I made one of each of my girls...

...and strung them on a pretty chain that reminded me of those curly-Q doodles. Introducing the Doodle Silhouette Necklace. In addition to the necklace, Doodle Silhouette Charms are also available separately.

One thing leads to another, and new pieces are born from the original concept, like this Doodle Heart Necklace.

I think I'll keep playing with this, to see how I can develop it further. Until next time, happy doodling to you.

Yay! A Giveaway!

AND THE WINNER IS...Erin, at Tiny Twist Creative. Yay!

First things first: I'm having a sale. Take 15% off everything in my shop through December 10th. Just use coupon code EDEC10 at checkout.

Now to the giveaway: I'm offering up a feather bookmark to one lucky winner!

sterling silver feather bookmark

To enter to win, just leave a comment here. For more chances to win, you can "like" AG Ambroult on Facebook, tweet about this giveaway, or mention the giveaway on your blog. (Be sure and stop back here to let me know you've mentioned it in other places) 

I'll announce the winner here on Wednesday, Dec 8th. Good luck! 

Speaking of giveaways, there's a fabulous one going on over at the Rhythm of the Home blog. Click over for a chance to win one of the many incredible offerings. 

Craft Show Hangover

Whew. Another show over and done with. I did the fabulous hand-made artisan show, Craftopia, yesterday and oh, how I love these events. It's like going to a party, that lasts from early in the morning until dinner time, where I see old friends that I only see at these shows. We catch up, share experiences, and commiserate about all things craft.

Look what I saw:

That shirt says, "I went to a craft show and all I got was this lousy, hand dyed, organic, independently designed, hand silk screened t-shirt." Does it get any more clever than that? (awesomeness by HeatherJeanie)

And look what I got:

This delightful stained-glass bunting by Dasken Designs. The best part? We did a trade. Uh, huh that's right.

(The cloudy sky is not doing it justice, but in the sunshine it is spectacular.)

Look what I drooled over:

The whimsical illustrations of SepiaLepus

And look who was my neighbor:

I got to adore the little shirts and plushies by Hilary all day long.

I leave the shows feeling equally inspired and tired. Sometimes I'm frustrated, other times there's a spring in my step. With each show I cross off the list, I breathe a little easier and feel a little lighter—but only until I set my sights to the next one. At this time of year, there's no lag between obligations until mid-December, so it's on to the next one I go!

He Lost His Ring

Actually, he lost it last spring.

We thought for certain it had fallen into the depths of his piano, during a tuning session. We looked into the bowels of that complicated instrument. No ring.

We thought for sure it was in his workshop, having fallen into a pile of wood shavings after he removed it for tool-gripping comfort. We swept and sifted. No ring.

We figured it must be in our bedroom, dropped down behind the nightstand or his dresser. We searched and rummaged. No ring.

I decided I'd make him a new one, and quick, lest some unknowing lady try to catch his eye, believing him to be single. Still no ring.

Nearly two seasons have passed by sans ring. Next week, we will celebrate 11 years since the first time I put a ring on his finger, and I didn't want our anniversary to sneak by without a replacement. So last night, I finished his new wedding band and slipped it on his finger. Finally, a ring.

"The A Ring" is now listed in my shop.

Thinking, Feeling...

Thoughts and feelings—sometimes coming at you in rapid-fire fashion, sometimes welling up slowly and eventually crashing down. I suppose it's the variety of ideas and emotions that spices up our days, for better or for worse. Here's a catalog of what's been spinning in my head and heart over the past week.

I am...
Curious, about the unknown story of these vintage chandelier beads from Buenos Aires. Loving their substantial weight and cold, smooth touch. They were sent to me by a friend, who commissioned a few necklaces to be made from them, and kindly offered up the remainder of them for me to play around with. Or as she put it, "get all artsy on their arses."

Relieved, to have found a new home for Han Solo, our very loud rooster. We visited him the other day on the farm, and it turns out he is now King of the Ducks. There were about a half-dozen ducks following him around!

Autumn-ish, for obvious reasons.

Acorn top by "A," crochet acorn pattern here

Concerned (hopeful, helpless), for a classmate of my girls, who was just diagnosed with Leukemia.

Happy, to see the rustic simplicity of this garland by Daisychestnut

Grateful, that even though my husband was recently laid off, I have lots of orders, and can contribute financially to this household.

Proud, of a ring I recently finished, that was unlike any I had ever made.

And you?

Wedding Boxes

Over the past month, "A" and I have been collaborating on a set of boxes for a friend's wedding. These five mahogany boxes are gifts for the groomsmen, each one bearing the recipient's initials.

All of the boxes were cut from a single chunk (that's a technical term) of wood, so if lined up in a row the grain would run from end to end.

Sterling silver wire letters were soldered onto brass and oxidized for an antique feeling. The plaques were then riveted onto the lid with silver tubing. The lids slide off, revealing a burgundy felt-lined bottom.

We also included a surprise gift for the bride and groom—a box with their names and a special spot for each of them to keep their wedding band. 

I love collaborating with "A." (remember the eight box?) We spend so much time in our shops individually, and projects like this find us visiting each other, bouncing ideas around, and keeping each other's eyes on the deadline (something I could always use help with).

Wishing Toni and Drew many years of happiness together!


(It's killing me to have a finished project, and only and old point-and-click camera to shoot it with. Sorry for the less-than-fabulous photos. Camera, come back!)

The Damage

I spent yesterday at an arts market that is typically a great event for me, sales-wise, and a source of income I have grown to depend on. Six hours of chatting with potential customers and a delightful neighboring card maker, I loaded out of the show with exactly $42 in my pocket. 

Result: A long, frustrating day that was made bearable only through good conversation and new friends made

Hourly wage for the day, including set up and break down: $4.60

I pulled out my sewing machine determined to get an early start on holiday gifts, only to find the machine has some serious problems and needed to go to the shop.
Result: In the shop
Price for repair: $50

I finished a good handful of new pieces, set them up for a photo shoot, so I could share these new designs with the world, and get them listed in my shop. But when I tried to take the pictures? "err 99," camera completely out of commission.
Result: In the shop
Price for repair: $210

I have a shipment of materials arriving this afternoon, a white board with a list of enough orders to keep me busy this week, and a two-day arts festival to get ready for next weekend.
Result: In the shop
Spending my days working with my own two hands, making my own hours, and having the flexibility to be there when my kids need me: Priceless.


Until the camera returns, all shiny and like-new, I will be including old photos in my posts, or none at all. Bear with me...

5 Things: A Summer Summary

My first grader is quite excited to have homework of her own, now that she is a "grader." (I'm tempted to get some video footage of her homework enthusiasm so I can show it to her in 10 years). One of her assignments this week is to gather 5 things that represent what she did over summer vacation. As we gathered seashells, arcade tickets, carabiners, and more, I thought about what 5 things I would choose to represent my summer.
After giving it some thought, I decided that finding actual objects would be too ambiguous for me, so I chose 5 images, with words to accompany them, instead.

carousels (lots of them)

ice cream (lots of it)

initials (lots of them)

sand (dunes of it)

                                                    sisters (just two)

Labor of Love: Custom Jewelry

There's something about making custom pieces that both humbles and terrifies me. I mean, what could be more flattering than someone asking you to make their vision come to fruition? They must have liked the style of my jewelry designs, right? And I can only assume that they must have confidence in my metalsmithing techniques—my ability to fabricate what they are dreaming of, right?

So why, then, do I have this whispering voice of doubt in the back of my head that says, "Oh my, somebody has entrusted me with making their vision come to fruition?" Why am I not able to breathe easy until I get word that the piece was received and is absolutely adored?

I don't know why. I guess I worry that the finished piece won't live up to their expectations, and how my reputation as a jeweler is on the line. But I'm going to let you in on a secret: even through all that, I love doing custom work. I love the departure from my usual designs, I love working with the client, making design decisions, and turning ideas into realities. I love knowing that the recipient is going to wear a piece that has personal meaning, one that was made deliberately, with care, with the sentiment behind the piece in mind.

This spring, I had the opportunity to fabricate a few ideas into wearable pieces.

Emily, from Mousy Brown's House, asked me to make the necklace she had been dreaming up. She had a long list of elements she wanted to include, and was creative enough to be able to translate all her wishes into a design. It had to reflect her personality, and remind her of the good things in life. She had a clear vision of what she wanted polished, and which parts she wanted roughed up. And it had to have a little silver mouse. The photo above is the set of charms that hung from the silver ring, making the focal point of the pendant. That mouse? I didn't get a good picture of it but you can view a few good shots of it over at her blog, where she wrote about it.

The length was another unique element of the design. She wanted it to be long, so she could "wear it with pride above her clothes, or tuck in and enjoy secretly." Well, long she got, and I think she is on to something here. That length makes quite a statement.

I also had the pleasure of creating an anniversary piece for a couple. The husband came to me with a request for a piece that would symbolize the fact that he and his wife had now been together for more than half their lives. He, too, had a clear vision—a simple "clock" with 55% of it in polished silver, the rest oxidized black. The contrast of this uncomplicated design is striking, and represents much meaning for this husband and wife.

When it comes to custom work, I've learned to focus on these things: listening, asking, and reading between the lines. I include the client in as much, or as little, of the design process as they want, and I stay in touch and provide updates. Given all of this, you'd think I'd be a little more confident about how the pieces will be received. Well I'm not, but I'm starting to realize that all that fussing is exactly what makes custom pieces such a unique experience—a labor of love.

Colorful Necklaces & Some News

Sometimes, when I look at my body of work, I am painfully aware of the lack of color. This perplexes me, because my world revolves around color. My home is painted and decorated in a rainbow of shades, my shoes span the spectrum, and I gravitate towards pretty much anything that is a beautiful hue. My current color of choice is this one:

Somewhere between the time I started making jewelry and now, my pieces have taken on a very, uh, metallic feel. I know that's a bit obvious, but I am feeling the need for a departure (if only temporary) from my usual industrial-meets-organic"colored" jewelry. All those grays and browns of winter and early spring have gotten the best of me, so I'm introducing a little color into my line just in time for summer.

I'm on the hunt, prowling the web for gorgeous stones to frame in silver and oh, is it fun. Wouldn't this make an amazing piece?

In other news, the summer edition of the online magazine Rhythm of the Home was just published. This one is bursting with interesting articles, cool crafts, and all things summer. I contributed a tutorial—check it out here.

(Colorful necklaces now listed in the shop)

Making and Doing

It's show season! Or, It's show season, oh my. I have a million things to do including designing and fabricating an entire new line of products in addition to making lots of jewelry, new and old, to have on hand. Oh, and I also need to expand/improve my displays, locate another table, etc....

I'm relieved to have already been working on a few new products to offer. Until recently, I have made jewelry and jewelry only. But I came to realize that many shoppers who attend artisan fairs are just looking to browse, and maybe make a few small impulse buys. In my book, and $88 ring is far from an impulse buy, yet that's basically what I have had to offer.

So last fall I decided to expand my product line. I started with the bookmarks and Remembery Capsules and my newest product is magnets.

Silver wire was bent and twisted to form words or images that make a simple statement. A beat-up copper disc provides a background for the shiny wire.

I was inspired by Molly of A Foothill Home Companion, who made a dishtowel with the words "make" and "do." Making and doing—two verbs that sum up how I spend most days. They are uncomplicated words that can imply so much, while remaining so very common and practical.

I gussied up an old roasting pan to serve as a display for these, and hopefully a few more magnets will make their way out of my workshop in time for the upcoming show. I'd love some suggestions—is there an image or word that you would love to see on a magnet like this?

Roger That

Sometimes, despite great effort, something we try to make just isn't meant to be. Have you ever had that experience? I have, plenty, and I'll bet anyone who creates anything has had a project that just won't go along with the plan. That piece, for me, is the necklace below. I think you could guess which one.

Did you know that, in jewelry making, setting the stone is the absolute last thing you do? The piece is completely fabricated and finished (polished, oxidized etc...), and only then can the stone be set into its bezel or prongs. This makes troubles with stone-setting particularly frustrating—having spent hours making the piece, only to be foiled on the very last step.

These fossil coral necklaces are part of a small series of one-of-a-kind pieces featuring those gorgeous stones, and it looks like that series will have one less than originally planned. The bright side is, I glued that baby back together and gifted myself a new necklace. You can barely see the crack running through it, but it is still not in any shape to sell, so it's mine all mine now.

I am grateful that the amber-colored necklace cooperated with me. It is now listed in my shop.

Today's Great Outdoor Challenge photo is of the "roger, roger" microphones my girls created. These super-secret spy microphones are used to communicate with each other from opposite sides of the yard. Particularly useful when warning that a villain (read: parent) has infiltrated the territory.

Wouldn't it be great if we had "roger, roger" spy microphones to warn us when an uncooperative project was on the horizon?

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

The Good: I had the pleasure of making this Remembery Capsule for a couple who recently lost their beloved dog, Maddie.

They chose this special piece to honor their pet's place in their family.

For the tokens, Maddie's owner matched meaningful photos with emotional words. She also requested a little silver dog bone on top the lid.

The Bad: It is currently lost in the mail. Keeping my fingers crossed that it will turn up in their mailbox soon. Deep breath...

The Ugly: These are "chicken burritos." That is, burritos for the chickens, not burritos made with chicken. They consist of some grasses and flowers, wrapped up in a leaf that is held secure with chives and...an earthworm. Not sure how I feel about that, but the chickens sure seem to enjoy them.
(it's the Great Outdoor Challenge!)

Fostering Love

Last fall, my sister and her husband decided to become foster parents. After a long application process, I am happy to tell you they've been approved! This is so exciting—for them, and our whole family. More kids to have fun with, more kids to make things for, and more kids to love.

They have agreed to take up to three children, so that siblings may stay together (isn't the thought of siblings being split up heartbreaking?). Two bedrooms in their home have been reworked to fit beds, dressers and lots of toys. My crochet hooks are at the ready...just waiting for some news, so I know who I am making for and what to make.

But I have to admit that all this anticipation is met with a bit of hesitation, too, as my sister and brother-in-law begin a journey into parenthood that could be, at times, heartbreaking and unfair. We hope for the best and offer our full support.

Lately, different aspects of my life have had a way of weaving themselves together in interesting ways. A friend of mine contacted me to see if I'd be interested in being a vendor at a fund raising event for, what else?...foster care! The artisan show will benefit the Friends of Foster Care, an organization that provides assistance to foster children and their families. How could I say no?

If you're in the Boston area, come shop for a good cause!
The Spring Fling shopping event is this Thursday, April 8th. Over 30 local vendors and artisans will be selling their goods. The event takes place at the Neighborhood Club (27 Glendale Road, Quincy,MA) from 7 - 10 PM.

Springtime Fun

This weekend...

...somebody left a trail of tiny flowers to follow

...and a dozen wooly eggs

...and a "Mount Everest" of jellybeans and other sweets

This weekend, somebody else finished up this little piece that screams spring. A milky yellow moss opal, slightly egg-shaped, with what looks like little plants sprouting in it. (See more of it in my shop)

I'll bet a little springtime fun was happening in your home, too!