Craigslist Bench

I bought this bench on Craigslist for $25. We cut off about 14 inches from one end so it would fit in our space and reupholstered it with fabric from Santa Fe Fabrics. The legs still need to be stained or painted.

Before

After

Bead Fest Santa Fe 2012

Rolling Mill Earrings

Friday, March 16, 2012

5:30pm – 8:30pm

Contact Bead Fest for registration or more information.

Encaustic Painting

In April I attended an encaustic demo given by Rosemary Barile and I immediately knew it was something I wanted to try. Yesterday I finally tried encaustic painting. Like most things, it was harder than it looked in Rosemary's demo.

Encaustic paints on griddle

First colored layer after initial encaustic medium was applied. 

Attempt to stencil pattern

Results from stencil

Paisley patterns inscribed in wax

Burnt umber oil paint rubbed into incised areas

Fused after encaustic medium was applied, still warm.

Finished piece. I named it Hidden Paisley because the paisley pattern is now hidden.

Thanks go to Darcy for pushing me to try this medium. 

The Santa Fe International Folk Art Market

Next weekend is the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market. I will be volunteering as an Artist Assistant to Maria Balvina Contento Ambuludi from Ecuador on Sunday afternoon at booth 116. Maria is representing La Mega Cooperativa de Saraguro. The indigenous Saraguro people in Ecuador, particularly the women, make brightly-colored and intricately-shaded necklaces, collars, earrings, rings and bracelets using glass beads. The designs are patterned after motifs from nature and from geometric shapes. These beaded jewelry pieces are an essential part of the Saraguro people’s daily dress and, for María Balvina Contento Ambuludi and the other members of La Mega Cooperativa de Saraguaro, the bead work provides them with a sustainable monetary income as they work collectively to sell their craft.

Here are two necklaces I own made by Saraguro beadworkers. Aren't they gorgeous?

Silk Experiments

I attended an encaustic painting demonstration given by Rosemary Barile, a member of my Eldorado Arts & Crafts Association. She talked about incorporating composted silk and silk with a copper patina in her encaustic paintings. Since I love to dye silk scarves, this was something I couldn't wait to try.
On Thursday I wrapped a silk scarf around a copper pipe and tied it down with sinew. Pickle juice was poured over the silk daily.
On Friday I cleaned out my refrigerator and collected an assortment of fruits (tangerines, limes) and vegetables (romaine lettuce, acorn squash, spaghetti squash, green onion, celery, cucumber, parsley and ginger). Saturday I added what was leftover of a jar of red cabbage. This bag has been left outside in the sun.

Silk with Copper Patina

Start of silk wrapped on copper pipe. Held in place with sinew, then soaked with pickle juice.

24 hours, silk with copper patina

48 hours, silk with copper patina. 

Day 3, silk with copper patina.

Day 4, silk with copper patina.

Day 5, silk with copper patina

Day 6, silk with copper patina

Day 7, silk with copper patina

Day 8, silk with copper patina

Day 9, Copper Patina Scarf.

Composted Silk

Start of composted silk, 70 degrees. 4/22/11

24 hours, 54 degrees.

Day 3, 55 degrees.

Day 4, 53 degrees and rainy

1 week. Smelling and decomposing. 74 degrees.

Day 24, 5/16/11. Dry, with not much color on silk.

Experimented was ended. Critters pulled out the silk. 

Eldorado Studio Tour

Opening Night Party: Friday, May 13, 2011, 5 - 7:30 pm at La Tienda at Eldorado

Preview Gallery: May 14-15, 2011, from 9 am - 5 pm at La Tienda at Eldorado

Open Studios: May 14-15, 2011 from 10 am - 5 pm

Come visit me: Studio #45, 11 Jornada Loop, Santa Fe, 87508

eldoradostudiotour.org

Iris Collar, Gina Crow

Kiln-Formed Glass, Barrie Brown

Santa Fe Style Media Wall, Kris Palek

Bead Fest Santa Fe

I will be teaching my Baker's Dozen Bangle at Bead Fest Santa Fe, class #2208.

Class Date: Saturday, March 12, 2011
Time: 3-Hour (5:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
Level: All Levels
Technique: Metalsmithing; Wire Work
Classroom: Nambe (Lodge)

BSNM Winter Workshops

I will be teaching the Flower Power Chainmaille Bracelet as part of the BSNM Winter Workshops. Registration begins tomorrow. See www.bsnm.org for registration and details.

BSNM Proposal Submitted

The Bead Society of New Mexico is accepting submissions for winter workshops. I submitted my Flower Power Bracelet. It is the first class I taught at the Bead and Button Show.

Back to School

I'm tired of asking my sons for help every time I need to crop or size a photo, so I signed up for a Photoshop class at the Santa Fe Community College. Today was my second class. The three hour class just flew by, so I must be having fun. Now I need to PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!

Wire Crochet Day

Today I spent the day working on wire crocheted necklaces for the show next month. I love something I can complete in less than an hour and it still looks good.

Santa Fe Spice