The wonderful group of artists that I am a part of (etsy metal clay team) recently had a charm swap. 22 artists participated and each of us created 24 identical charms (or close to identical) made from any kind of metal clay. The swap means that each of us got each others charms and we have enough left to make 2 additional bracelets which will be auctioned off for charity. When I received my package of charms I was overwhelmed at the talented group that I was a part of. Each charm showcases the artists spirit and unique technique. I wanted to make a bracelet that reflected the handmade charms. Luckily, Catherine Witherell, posted a great tutorial on the emc blog so I followed the directions and made this fine silver fused link bracelet. I made it exactly like the tutorial except I used heavier 16 gauge wire. I really loved the way it turned out. It looks great with all the charms.
I loved the look so much I decided to make more chain so that I could them attach the bracelet to it and turn it into a necklace.
I was honored to make some personalized yads last month. I've made yads (pointers used to read from the torah) before, for Bar and Bat Mitzvah gifts. This is a unique way to honor the event and if given before the service the Bar Mitzvah can use it while he reads from the Torah. Adding the name of the child and the date of his or her Bar Mitzvah make it a very special keepsake. This month I was ask to create a yad for the "teacher" of the Bar Mitzvah. What a beautiful gift to give a teacher. The customer chose to personalize the yad with the name of the teacher with gratitude and love from his student. I am told that the teacher was extremely touched by this very special gift. It was for him one of the most favorite gifts he had received from a student. I am so happy to be a part of this wonderful journey.
Just received my signed copy of Kate Mc Kinnon’s new book, Sculptural Metal Clay, so I thought I’d write some of my thoughts I have about this book.
As many of you know, I first learned about metal clay from Kate when she was living here in St. Louis. The book is set up much like a workshop you would take from the artist herself, the emphasis being on techniques and not on projects. This is the real difference that I see between this book and most other metal clay books on the market. Most books have set by step instructions on how to make a ring, pendent etc. Instead, Kate describes the techniques she uses to make components, which you can incorporate into your own jewelry designs. She discusses, among other things, ring bands, rivet posts, prongs and box building, 19 elements in all, a wealth of information.
There are also 10 projects in the book, but even if you were to copy these projects exactly, they wouldn’t turn out exactly the way they are in the book. Kate used her favorite beads from other artists in the projects and it makes them easy for you to personalize.
As with any book or class with Kate you are going to hear a lot about safety. She feel it is her duty to warn others about the dangers of firing metal clay incorrectly and working with it without respecting safety issues. Personally I think the beginning of the book is a little preachy, but that is Kate’s way. She works very clean, advises artist to make clean cuts and never sands or uses slip. When I first started working with metal clay, I was so nervous about handling the clay too much I swear my heart pounded the whole time. I have since experimented myself and worked with other artists and therefore I am not freaked out about rehydrating or sanding from time to time. But if you have never tried it Kate’s way, I suggest that you give it a shot. If you work the way she suggests not only are you handling the medium safety, but your pieces will look more organic, they will look like metal clay pieces, not like refined silver that mass produced jewelry looks like. Why not take advantage of the possibilities of this incredible medium. Embrace it.
I wish that she would have added even more information of work hardening and finishing pieces. Although Kate writes more than most authors do on the subject, there is never enough information for me on this subject.
In conclusion, this book is a welcome addition to every metal artist’s library. The beginner will learn to basics and safety issues and the novice will get the opportunity to learn an important metal clays artist’s point of view and pick up some great techniques along the way.
This month's mezuzah is a variation on some of my past designs. It featured the Hebrew scripture texture with a ribbon "tied" around the scroll to reference the way the torah is tied when it is stored in the ark.
As usually the mezuzah is solid fine silver and is available in my Etsy shop.
I had a wonderful afternoon at St. Louis' Nishmah conference on Women's health and Spirituality. They had a vendor section and there was a nice of people at the conference who were checking out the artist and other associations and vendors present. It was nice to meet up with old friends and meet new ones. And making some sales was great too!
I meet Israeli and Kansas City artist Limor Katz-Evans who makes really fantastic original designed t-shirts other garments with inspirational Hebrew motifs. I bought a couple for my girls, check out her website, the t-shirts are really excellent quality too.
I am so happy and honored to be participating in the emc team, Etsy Metal Clay, charm swap. If you don't already know, the emc team is a group of extremely talented etsy artists who specialize in working in metal clay. I was juried into the group last year. The artists lend support to one another by promoting our shops and also exchanging ideas, techniques and resources.
For the charm swap we were required to make 24 identical charms, 22 to exchange with the other artists, and 2 additional charms that will be made into bracelets that the group auctions off for charity. Honestly, the last bracelet that was made (a year ago) was incredible and really priceless. The charms had to be in metal clay, silver or you could use bronze, copper or a combination.
So here is what I came up with. They are not identical, but pretty close. They are silver. I decided to make a 3 dimensional charm since I love to construct my pieces. I just send the box of charms off, and I should get a box back next month with 22 different charms from all over the world. I can't wait to see all the different techniques and points of view. I might make a bracelet out of it, or maybe a charm necklace. Oh, by the way, this one will not be for sale!
This very special mezuzah has a lot of detail and personality. I am especially proud the raised scroll design as I carved the the design myself on a rubber block and used the carving to texture the metal clay. I think that this mezuzah is a perfect example of how I try to create modern art which has great reverence to antiquities.
Please remember to check my etsy shop for new designs (this mezuzuh will be featured there soon), and visit me at Artrophy or Monday evening at the JCC in St. Louis.
This week is very exciting because I am finally getting my * together and I am showing my artwork ad jewelry in 4 venues during the next two weeks.
I have a private studio art tour visiting my home and studio on Tuesday. I will tell you more about it later this week. On Saturday I am participating in Artrophy. The spring show of handmade arts and crafts sponsored by Showme Etsy. These are a great group of local St. Louis artists who also have Etsy shops. I am really looking forward to being in this show. If you want to enjoy a wonderful St. Louis day and check out Lafeyette Square neighborhood, head down to the Squires Restaurant and check out the show. There is truly something for everyone. Show runs from 10am to 3pm.
Coming up I will be at the JCC for Yon Haatzmauit and the Nishmah Women's Health and Wellness Fair.
I created this multi-strand necklace for my good friend Linda P's 40th birthday. She is very girly, a bit trendy and into classic looks. I made my version of the popular ribbon necklace that are a must have this year. The colors are golds and pale pink. The materials are pearl, tourmaline, rutilated and and pink quartz and gold fill chain. It was a challenge to make and allowed me to practice my wire wrapping skills. Oh, and she loved it!
For my March mezuzah I decided to make a mezuzah that looks more like an actual house and less like a traditional mezuzah. The stone texture is unique as I created it myself and made my own texture sheet and mold. This literal design approach is a little different than some of my previous designs. I'm not sure how it fits in with my other work, but it was challenging and fun to make.
You may notice the beautiful professional photograph of the piece. I had some pieces photographed by local St. Louis photographer Don Casper, who did a beautiful job. I hope to use these pictures to get into Juried shows and professional associations. Thanks to Don Kelly, a wonderful silversmith artist, who has helped me with these pictures and connected me with Don Casper.
This silver pendent necklace was inspired by a silver needle holder I picked up years ago in Hong Kong when I was designing sweaters. The tiny tube shaped vial measures about 2" tall from the top of the knob on the lid to the bottom of the fine silver loop where 4 semi-precious stones dangle. The cap stays on because the 32" necklace chain secures it together. I don't know what you would stash in the vial, but use your imagination, maybe a special note from a loved one. I haven't listed this on Etsy because I am preparing for 4 shows and special events next month. If you are interested on anything listed on the blog that is not in my Etsy shop please contact me.
I used to make small delicate jewelry. I few years ago when I did a lot of wire wrapped gemstone jewelry, most of my work was the kind of things that you really appreciated up close. And, although many people loved it, I did get comments that some customer wanted bigger bolder pieces. When I started creating jewelry with silver metal clay, it was much easier to work bigger, and so it was a natural progression for me to make my pieces bolder. The star of my classic Jewish star necklace measures about -7/8" which is pretty bold and although many customer love them I have gotten some comments that people would prefer a smaller more delicate version.
Well, I have been working on this I have come up with a smaller design, still unique to me and very modern. The star has the same two level design as the original star but only measures 5/8" across. So far I have only made an applique heart version, but I promise to work on the rockin star (the one with the rivets) in the future. These also come in a smaller price than the original star, which is also nice!
Please allow me to shamelessly brag about my children just one more time! These drawing from my daughter Tamara, age 11, are part of a series that she drew last week while watching the Olympics. Each picture takes her about 20 minutes and the pictures are from her imagination...wow!
For this month's mezuzah I decided to go in a different direction. I have a little more control over the metal clay since taking the certification course. I am more comfortable with the time I have to work the clay and I feel more confident making forms that are less textured.
This mezuzah is definitely more of a classic design, but I think the metal clay makes the piece look much more handmade and therefore more interesting......at least to me. Stayed tuned to some additions to my Etsy shop later this week, perhaps this mezuzah among them.
Here is the latest version of theYad. This was difficult to make for two reasons. First of all the pointer of the yad is actually a carved hand. I carved the hand separately using original formula PMC which is easier to carve, but shrinks a lot more than PMC+. Then I fired the hand, and then embedded it in PMC+ which is the formula I used for the body of the Yad.
The personalization was then stamped on a thin strip of metal clay and then carefully attached to the Yad. This version would make a wonderful Bar or Bat Mitzvah gift.
Well, yad is the hebrew word for hand, and so a yad is actually a pointer, which is used when one reads from the torah scroll.
I made this yad from PMC in silver. I carved the pointer and made a decorative spirals for the finial. I am also working on a version with a carved hand. And one that can be personalized.
It's a little funny to be that I am actually sculpting with the metal clay. Sculpture was my least favorite subject in art school. Funny how things turn out, Professor Shaun would be proud, well, probably not.
Exciting news! St. Louis Entertains Magazine has an article about Abby's Green Bat Mitzvah in this month's edition. For local st. Louis people, the magazine is available at Schnucks, Dierbergs and Straub's in Ladue, town and country, Frontenac and Chesterfield. The article is really nice and features great pictures of Abby, her Bat Mitzvah , our decorations, invitations and other green ideas. Pick one up if you are in the area.
Also, had a great Showme Etsy meeting tonight! It was so great to meets all these talented local artists.
When I received my package of charms I was overwhelmed at the talented group that I was a part of. Each charm showcases the artists spirit and unique technique. I wanted to make a bracelet that reflected the handmade charms. Luckily, Catherine Witherell, posted a great tutorial on the emc blog so I followed the directions and made this fine silver fused link bracelet. I made it exactly like the tutorial except I used heavier 16 gauge wire. I really loved the way it turned out. It looks great with all the charms. 
