Summertime and New Beginings

This past year has been a time for me of reflection.  It has been a time to step back and see where I am going.

I have been working on me.  Who am I?  What makes me burn?  What am I terrified of?  Where am I going?  How will I get there?

Here is what I know so far.  So far, I have learned that I am going go where it is my heart decides I will go.

If I doubt and don't set clear goals, I will just stay right here.

So, I am getting to know my bad ass self and learning that I actually can do whatever it is I want to.  why have I doubted this?  why do I doubt this still? 

Goal #1- feel like the bad ass creative storm that I am ALL of the days, and not just some.

Goal #2- figure out where business and production meets creative freedom and spontaneity and find some balance between them.  I need to be more structured because I am all over the place, but can't imagine creating any other way.  I will figure it out.  

Goal #3- take care of me.  I have really let myself get sick and tired.  I have wrapped myself in pounds of emotion and doubt.  I have filled my blahs with sugar, and sat and sat and sat.  So I am starting small, and not letting myself get disappointed if I can't do what I "think" I should be able to.  Watching the sugar intake, watching the junk, and walking.  After 3 weeks I already feel worlds stronger.  

me and my walking buddy post walk

Goal #4- be more compassionate.  be less judgmental.  Basically, learn to love people.  all people.

Goal #5- let myself be loved.

Goal #6- tune into and listen to my intuition

Yeah, that's all......lol!  

It is a process, but I am doing it.  Taking each day to learn something.

so if you wondered why I haven't been working full steam ahead, or been posting much, that is why.  

But I am here, still sketching ideas and working on things here and there.  

Stay tuned for more posts.  I really feel drawn to write more.  Most of all, thank you for following on this journey.  I know many of you have been here, reading since day one, when I went online with my jewelry.  I have gone through so many changes, and I know there will be many more to come.  I love knowing that there is such an amazing creative community out there.  I love being a part of it.

Now, onto some other items on the checklist..........and maybe to catch some fire flies.

Summer Solstice Alter by me

many blessings,

staci

New Directions and a Refreshing Mountain Trip

I have felt a wonderful new excitement as I dive into making these linocut prints!  

I tested one out on fabric and LOVE it.  Purses and dyes are ordered...............I am going for it!  I think purses would be a great addition to jewelry in my booth!

I will also have prints in frames and just prints for sale.  Each will be between $10-20.  I cannot wait to finish more prints and try out more papers and colors!

We took a trip to the mountains in central northern PA over the weekend, Tioga County, near the Grand Canyon of PA.  It's a yearly trip we enjoy so much!

There was rock stacking.............

swimming....................

playing around on hikes...........

Eagle watching (can you see it?)

hiking................

and fishing.....................this one was caught by hand in a swim shirt, I kid you not!

 There was sight seeing over the canyon..............

AND..........I took some quiet time to start carving a new print.

my view while carving..................

beginnings of a luna moth over a full moon

I just finished him today!!!

Here is the print!  I LOVE how it turned out!

Here it is on fabric

The trip also inspired me to do another print, one with rocks in a stream.............stay tuned!!!!!!

Summertime Creations

Summertime is a time of adjustment for me.  For example, I have already missed 2 appointments........because I have no idea what day it is!  (I need to start using my phone calendar I think!)  Anyhow..........................

The kids are home, the days are long, and I begin to get lost in everything.

We had a fun day at Dorney Park and Wild Water Kingdom last week, which was a real treat for us (my kids have never been to a real amusement park!!!).

Then, Julia and I took a day and worked on her needle felt kit.  She rocked this little bunny, and we both fell in love with the craft!

Then I had a show last weekend, and it didn't go very well. 

 It was VERY discouraging, since it is like the 3rd show in a row (and some last year) that I didn't do well at.  And I mean, I am not talking about "not where I'd like it to be".  I am talking, some of these shows barely paid for the booth.  UG!  I was really blue.  My jewelry has definitely gotten "artsier" and "weirder" the last couple years.  It is beginning to appeal to a select (narrow) group.  Sadly, with shows bringing less buyers, and less of those buyers being "my customers", I am not doing well, and having trouble figuring out what the next step is for me.  The next level of shows, would be the big ones, the indoor, NYC, Maryland shows, that require travel and fancy indoor pipe and drape.  Not only can I not invest in that, I am not sure I am quite "there" either.

So, I am mulling things over.  I think I need to revamp things, like my website.  I need more signage at shows, to explain what I do.  

To give my brain a break and cheer myself up, I decided to do some linocuts that have been in my brain for far too long.  I Love carving, and have been wanting to take my carving from the beads and back to prints.  I finally gave myself permission to just make them already!!!!  Sometimes, I just need that.  

 This heart with an eye turned out JUST how I wanted it too.  I didn't have sketches.....I did the border first, and thought a heart would fit nice in it, and of course, it needed an eye.  so I sort of winged it, and I am quite happy with how it turned out.

 The prints themselves are just quick practice prints.  I think I will be making more and perhaps offering them at my shows as well.  Can't hurt to try, and they make me happy.  They will also be a lower priced item, which is nice.  I think I am doing good making prints that still match my aesthetic.   

 LOVING this Moonlit Lotus (there are some trilobites in the back as well)

Finally made a stamp for my bags, my heart with wings logo!!!

and here are two prints (still first run, not good inking on them) in frames.  these will go in my studio, all for me!!!

Art really is therapy for me.  I cannot believe how much making a few prints has lifted my spirits.  I will figure out my next step.  It will work out.  when things aren't going well, its time for a change, and change is good.  

Now I must get back to the grind.  I am trying to finish up a new class for Craft Art Edu this week, and it's a FREE one!  You won't want to miss it!!!!

How is your summer going?  Anyone else have summer brain?  I hope next week will have me a bit more plugged in to a schedule.

The Elusive Blog Post

I feel like I never get to blog on here, my personal blog.  I blog at Love my Art Jewelry regularly.  I Facebook all the time.  I even have an Instagram (it's brand spankin new and I am still learning how to use it).  But I never seem to blog anymore.

If you would like to follow me on Instagram, I am under stacilouiseo

Well, I am taking some time today to blog.  It's that time of year, when I start to hunker down in the studio and work on odds and ends.  Right now, its mostly been a class that will be on CraftArtEDU.  I am really excited about it, so stay tuned.  It's on my Gold Crackle Technique

I have also been working on more of the crackle beads to sell.  I am hoping to have a big shop update / sale in the near future.  I also have some items that have come home from a gallery to list.  I will post on Facebook when that will be.  I even have a few of my elephant ornaments to list!!!!

Also, we are going to have a blog hop at Love my Art Jewelry.  It's going to be a fun one.  We are honoring David Bowie, by asking that you create a piece of jewelry, inspired by either him, a photo of him, a lyric or an entire song.  Whatever you chose, blog about it, and on March 10th, you can add your blog link to our site.  Hop to all the blogs and see what everyone came up with!

You can read about the hop here

http://www.lovemyartjewelry.blogspot.com/2016/02/stardust-david-bowie-blog-hop.html

I hope that a bunch of you will join in.  I think its a great opportunity to really make some fun wild jewelry!

I feel like I have a ton of cleaning and organizing to do yet.  Every time I make some progress in the studio, it gets all piled up again.  It's endless.  

Coming this spring, I will be teaching two classes at Bead Fest.  They are really fun classes and packed with techniques.

The show is in Oaks PA near Philly.  For more info. on Beadfest click here

http://www.beadfest.com/

 

On Sunday April 10th I will be teaching a 3 hour class on how to make these fun wire work charm necklaces using a heavier gauge wire.

8:30 - 11:30am

We use long pieces of wire, and learn to create the entire choker, as well as add the charms.  You get a mix of charms and gemstones to chose from in each kit!

Also on Sunday the 10th I will be teaching a Carving Polymer Class.  The class is 3 hours and runs from 1 - 4pm

You will learn to form, color and carve your beads, as well as finish them into a simple necklaces to show them off!

If you do polymer clay, this technique is really really fun to learn!  I promise, you will learn to love it.  For me, its very Zen and relaxing.  Even my mom tried it and said the same thing.  Not to mention, there are a endless ways you can use this in your polymer work!

To sign up for these classes click here

https://www.eiseverywhere.com/ehome/145551/StaciSmith

I think that's it for now!  Check my facebook page to see what is new and to look for the upcoming sale!

https://www.facebook.com/stacilouiseoriginals/

Bead Fest: blood, beads and beady friends!!!

Well, Bead Fest is done and I miss the ladies already.  

It was a great weekend with lots of laughs, a few injuries and plenty of beads.  I have found that there is just nothing like the camaraderie of a bead show.  Whether you know someone or not, you can walk right up to them and fondle their jewelry, chat, and walk away laughing as if you were best friends.  Everyone is there for the same, obsessive reason......must have more cool beads!!!  Its a great time that I both look forward to, and miss when it is over.

(Forgive my long post, I will take you through the weekend via mini stories, and lots of pictures.)

I am still recovering, because it is also a marathon, begining on Thursday for me and ending sunday......then I come home and unpack and swing right back into Mom mode.

so.............

I got there early on Thursday to set up.  

I moved the table around in my group to try to maximize the space. 

I think I was one of the first people to show up in my aisle.

Then Lisa and Hank arrived (Lisa Peters Art).  It was her first time at Bead Fest and we were all thrilled she was there.

Look at all those new beads!

So since I got to set up very early, I had time to just relax at the hotel.  The rooms were nice (I stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn, just minutes from the show) and I had an entire room to myself.  I just enjoyed some quiet time.  Then I got to go for a swim and hang out with Hank and Lisa a little bit more.  

After my solo dinner and yummy drink (Kraken dark rum and ginger beer with lime) 

I went to visit Lisa and help her price some beads.  Now, I had that yummy drink at dinner, and then had some of my cider.  (there is a little story coming, you needed that info...)

I told her i would pair up little sets of earring charms.  So she got me string, but they could not find the scissors.  Hank had a nice huge steel knife (the Bulgarian) he said I could use.  Lisa protested, but I assured her I would be careful............

well...............

Probably wasn't a good idea....should have listened to Lisa!!!

The funniest part, I got to the show on Friday morning to find Hank like this.....

I asked him if he too had a slip with the Bulgarian, and he said no, that he was going through a drawer and found the scissors!

Lisa was about to wrap us in bubble wrap.  So, Bead fest started out bloody even before it began!  But we were not going to let it get us down!  LOL!

My table buddies were finally set up and I got to see every-ones stuff all laid out.  Here they are putting the finishing touches on the booths before they let in the customers

On this side we had Marsha Neal and Nikki Thornburg

 and on this side was Diane Hawkey and me

We were way back in the corner.  I faced the very last row and curtain that was the back end of the show.  I was a little worried no one would find us back there.  However, I forgot how determined bead shoppers were, and we had a busy corner all through the weekend.  If people weren't shopping they were hanging out to chat!

I didn't get as many pictures as I would have liked to.  It was a busy show!  But here are some of the ones I snapped from the show

(Or I borrow from friends who took pics at the show)

Kathleen and Marsha getting first dibs

Diane and her funky booth.

 I love her style!

Marsha chatting it up- our little group could chat- that's for sure

Thomas Mann doing a sawing demo.  I hate sawing, and I knew it was because I was doing it wrong.  In a 10 minute demo I got sooooo much from him.  If you ever have a chance to take a class with him, do it.  I have heard they are amazing and from the little tid bit I saw here, I am sure they are.

 some of his work below

This is Amanda (of Brassy Peacock Designs).  She was my bathroom break and bead shopping break gal.  Man, she can run a booth!  She was the BEST booth helper, and even organized things while I was away.  I cannot tell you how much I appreciated it!

 This is Linda.  I met her at my very first Bead Fest.  I was just a shopper then, and a little overwhelmed.  We bonded over beads.  She also helped me in my very first class and I just love seeing her smile once a year!!!!

 This is Cooky (shepherdess beads).  She is a creative force to be reckoned  with.   I love her natural organic style.  Someday we hope to be able to take each others classes.  Or maybe we can just hang out before or after Bead Fest and play.  

 My son Aiden, who make jewelry, wanted to shop for beads for his birthday this year.  So he joined me on Saturday.  Amanda gave us at least 2 hours to shop together and we had a blast!  I think he is hooked.  He helped out at the booth on Sunday too after Amanda went home.

 (picture by Lesley )

Here is Hank, all set up and ready to go!

 Lisa's beads were my first Art Bead Loves

 Lisa and her mom being the fun gals they are!!!!

 (last three pictures were taken by Lisa Peters)

Marsha having a good time as usual!!!!  LOL!

 (photo by Marsha Marsha Marsha)

Booth mate selfie- this was the corner to be  in!  Fun and lovely ladies- always laughter going on in here

Tracy Bell seems to have acquired alotta cash there.....wonder how that happened.....

 Well, what happens at Bead Fest stays at Bead Fest

I taught my Wild Wire Gypsy Choker class on Sunday.  Aiden was a great assistant and the ladies just loved him.   He hammed it up for them and all.  I had no idea he was so good in front of a crowd!!!

My teaching table with samples (and breakfast)

 The kit table

 The Instructor....lol

 Feeding the helper

The ladies in class were wonderful.  They came ready to learn and worked hard.  I think they left some tips and techniques to really help further their designs!  

After Aiden (who will be 14 next month) had helped me with practice classes and the actual class, he was inspired to make a charm necklace.  He shopped and then sat down and worked hard on it.  This is what he made

(thanks Nikki Thornburg for getting such a great picture of it)

Proud mama here!!!!!

And then of course, there is the loot.  I shopped, I traded and I was gifted very awesome things!

Here is a tray of gemstones to use in my jewelry that I need.  Amber and labradorite are staples for me, and I loved those huge center drilled crystals.  These were from intrinsic trading co and Holy and PUre gemstones

This journal was hand made for me by my friend Kathleen....isn't it great?  The ribbon and button are a book mark to use.

These were my treats for having a good show.  I had to have these druzy beads- malachite and azurite top drilled.  The pyritized ammonite is for ME.  And the smaller ones are to make earrings for my mom!  Because she deserves awesome things!

Electroplated stones- love these.  got these stumpier silver ones and the longer bronze ones below

Just a fun mix of colors I use alot

Gigantic pyrite nuggets and some great ocean jasper nuggets too.  Oh, and some brass bells from hands of the hills

Ok- on to the trades and gifts.  Diana P.  of Suburban Girl Studio traded these to me (and gifted me those big chunky wood beads)

These are from Tracey Donoughe- i had more from her but my son snagged them all

I HAD to have this firefly pendant from Jenny Davis Reazor, and the owls just called to me as well

These are by Laura Souder- love them!

These are Thomas Mann pocket charms, I had to have a handful

Of course, Lisa Peters Art

Michelle McCarthy Firefly Design (I had more of her beads too but the kids took them as well)

Anne Gardanne Enamel- swoon worthy

Diane Hawkey (who was my neighbor)

Marsha and Nikki had me make them some jewelry for them to wear and be samples.  I traded them jewelry and beads for beads....lol  I love doing it.  Here is the one I made Marsha, but I only got a picture of the layout, though she is wearing it in a few of the above pictures

I got these beauties and a bracelet kit for Julia

I loved working with Nikki's glass beads.  Here are the necklaces I made her- and we also traded beads.  I guess you can say we like each others stuff

Lots of swoon worthy goodness.  I love beads and I adore my beady friends!

And although I love Bead fest, it is always awesome to come home to the kids.  

It seems the ladies gave all the opened snacks to us to bring home, so once they were done hugging me, the kids sat down to eat the goodies!  Thanks Nikki and Marsha!

The dogs also missed me, and  Tocchet, my newest babies reaction was just darling.  Even the next morning he was all over me.

So now we are taking a relaxing week before they go back to school.  Julia got a Marsha Neal bracelet kit and we both played with it yesterday. 

 I made mine too big so she is now wearing it as a necklace.

She is also modeling the bracelet she made.

Now I need to unpack.  But that can wait.  I have rest and family time planned this week.  so what if I can't move in the studio?

Next week the kids go back to school.  I plan to get the beads I have left listed on my website.  I also need to sit down and see what I need to do next.  Lots of classes to prepare, and videos to plan......AND JEWELRY TO MAKE!  

Thank you to everyone who came out and shopped and made me feel like a real artist!!  Thanks to my friends who were helpful, and made me laugh, and traded and treated my son like he was some sort of celebrity.  Let me tell you, he loved it!  I think he is hooked

(did I mention he has always loved beads and jewelry?  check these out from when he was a baby)

We are off to school shop today.  They just don't stop growing!  

Thanks again for allowing me to do what I love.