WIPs and a Fun Announcement

Well, I’ve certainly been MIA for a while, and I apologize! Lest you think I’ve been neglecting my various projects as well as my blog, let me show you a few of the things I’ve been working on:

It’s been a while since I did any jewelry work, so a few days ago I picked up the trusty torch and pliers, sorted through my stash of gems, and threw a few things together. Along with the golden coral earrings, I made another pair with lava rocks, and an asymmetrical necklace using both, with a bit of turquoise thrown in. The general theme was to mix rough, natural elements with minimalist modern design. I think the pieces work well together, though I’m not sure what I’ll do with them.

Of course, I haven’t yet gotten tired enough of embroidery to put down the needle for even a brief period. I’ve been working on a more traditionally styled design, which I plan to turn into a little throw pillow as a gift for my grandmother (a last-minute plan when I realized the colors I’d chosen happened to match her living room perfectly). It’s been a good exercise in tension, and shown me that I still have much to learn about how to stitch properly. Luckily, Grandmas aren’t very picky. ;)

Remember the entrelac pillow I knitted up as a sample for my class? Well, I neglected to inform my husband that we didn’t get to keep it, and it turns out he was rather attached to it. Oops! To make it up to him, I promised to knit a replacement. I’m not sure what I’m going to use for the back, yet – probably a simple cream worsted – but I’m loving the way the stst entrelac pattern highlights this variegated yarn I filched from my stash. It’s a match made in heaven.

Did I mention I was feeling guilty for neglecting the jewelry? I’ve been trying to make up for it the past few days, and as a result I ended up using the last of my stash of silver clay on a few pendants, a pair of earrings, and a set of cufflinks. The cufflinks are already enameled, though they need some finishing touches, and the pendants and earrings will be receiving dashes of enamel color as well. I’m learning a lot of fun new techniques for incorporating enamel into my work, and I love it!

As an exercise in color, I stitched a color wheel using the various threads I had on hand. It’s not precise by any means, and not even technically correct, but it was a surprisingly challenging project and a huge success – it has already suggested several new color combinations for future projects. It also has a pleasingly solid texture, since each segment is worked in padded satin stitch. I plan to hang it on my studio wall so I can glance at it whenever I need inspiration. (Don’t worry, the blue pen washes off!)

Having made my first foray into chainmaille months ago with a complex Japanese 12-in-1, I felt it was high time to go back and pay proper honors to the basics. Weaving this simple 4-in-1 bracelet reminded me how much I truly enjoy chainmaille, from the hypnotic weaving process to the addictively slinky texture of the finished piece, so you can probably expect more of that in the near future. I have high hopes for incorporating subtle maille designs as accents for some of my more complex metal clay pieces.

And now, for those who are still here, I’ve also got a fun announcement to make by way of an excuse for my late deliquency. I’ve been posting much less because I’ve been distracted by a singularly important task – finding a house!

As many of you know, my hubby and I currently live in northern Indiana while he pursues his MBA at Notre Dame. He graduates in May, and as of last week he has accepted a position with a wonderful company in Houston, TX! I’m so very proud of him!

Of course, this means that I’ve got to plan a move in 2 months, but considering that exactly two years ago I was planning a move and a wedding in a little less than 3 months, I think I can handle it. ;) You may see fewer posts from me for a while, especially as I begin to pack up my studio, but never fear! I’ll be back in full force once we’re settled in.