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?

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!)

Friday This & That

In November I sponsored a giveaway on Garden mama's blog. I offered a custom Remembery Capsule to the winner, and Nicola, of Which Name? was the lucky one. She sent me an assortment of family photos of the past year, with a few captions, and I set to work.

Maybe it's the voyeur in me, but I really love going over the photos that will be included in the capsules. I start to feel connected to these people and, inevitably, it motivates me to make the capsule with great care and love. I have crafted a good handful of Remembery Capsules now, and they are my favorite piece to make. It could be because they are a break from the tiny intricacies of jewelry, but I have a feeling it has more to do with the attachment I form with the piece and the family. I think Nicola would agree that, in working together on this Remembery for her family, we have forged a friendship as well.

I shipped off her prize last week, and Nicola blogged about it today.

Also, I have been seeing Corner Views on lots of blogs recently, and I'm always intrigued. Jane, over at Spain Daily gives a theme each week, and folks all over the world post their interpretations. This week's prompt is coffee companion, and here's my 'view':

I don't drink coffee, so this is my morning tea. And I usually drink it unaccompanied. The mug, made by Olaria Studio (who makes mostly jewelry), is my absolute favorite. The handle broke off a while back (my fault). I could glue the handle back on, I know, but then it wouldn't be machine washable, and I'm not sure I want that compromise. Instead, I will continue to drink from it each morning and risk burning my fingertips. That's some mug dedication, there.

Have a great weekend!