Just because I’m still metric “challenged”, I ordered some beautiful Prehenite and Chalcendony (rocks)..and couldn’t wait for them to arrive-only to find they were the size of a small car–well almost.  Am seriously hoping  a spin in the tumbler will knock them down to a manageable size–eventually…before I get really old.

Aren’t they just yummy?

Going on a weight reduction spin–

Come back in a couple weeks and see what I end up with, it’s always a surprise…kind of like my life in general, which isn’t a bad thing. 

What an absolutely perfect day–grey skies and pounding rain-I got to spend it in the shop with 8 amazingly gifted women..

We started off bending wire, then soldering/cooking it….the smoke fumes were just a bit thick at times..

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..they were shown a few very basic techniques-and look where they took them  to…Knowing this is just a glimpse of what may be to come  has my heart doing flip flops–(-think that’s an official term)  ….surrounded by such inspiring, souls–life is good.  Wishing you the same and more!

Who says living in a little town  mean the shopping options are lacking…look what I found today in my favorite little rock and gem store – Sandy and Kevin at  Gold N Treasures  are amazing- this shop has just a bit of everything for the rock/craft/gemstone crew…and if you are into gold panning, this shop is the Mother Lode…I digress…  These amazing semi precious stones will be available for my class this coming weekend-with  hopefully a few more selections-am going back tomorrow…. to rummage through whatever I missed today..:) Oh happy Friday!

Well, not exactly MY home mailbox, but close enough…I picked up this adorable little package in Port Hill today-our US postal drop, and what a treat that was!!  Beautifully presented and personalized, it just made my day.  Talented jewelry artist Diane Cooke was kind enough to share her supply of this gorgeous silver metal trim…and I can’t wait to use it on something–no idea what that might be, but I’m sure it will come to me at 3:00 AM some morning…..isn’t it pretty?♥♥♥

Today I tried a new (to me) resin…with great trepidation.  The little hearts I made from a variety of resins and clay types were all ready to go so thought I would try Susan Lenart Kazmer’s   Ice resin. It’s not as fluid as my regular doming resin, and more expensive–but just had to give it a try-

Fingers crossed, will see what things look like tomorrow–geeze, I HATE waiting!  Patience is not one of my strong suits-

So far, so good-

One of the cuffs I worked on today said “Blessed” on it.  I never gave it much  thought when I made that plaque a few days ago but this morning it seemed to matter. To me.  I have so much to be grateful for-close family and friends, a career I adore, my health and that of my family, and a life that is full and rewarding-I’ll take that on my cuff any day…..I know I am truly blessed.

I know no matter what my intentions, once I get into the shop, I have little control what happens…truly.  Thought today would be all about finishing off some “poufy hearts” for a few cuffs I was working on last week.  Nope-nada..diddly squat….didn’t happen.   I hauled out a  4 year old stash of “copper cuts” (yes, that’s how my filing system works…) scrubbed and cleaned them, piled them high with scrap silver wire-

and this was what things looked like.  Melting silver on copper is a process called Shibuichi-and I’ve used it over the years but had forgotten how beautiful it could be. Anticipating the moment the silver turned molten and glistened and shimmered, and watched it dance,..  was perfect-you had to be there!  I know  I LOVE molten anything…

And then this miracle happened~

There were a few more little miracles to follow too:

Not sure how things could get much better than this-♥♥♥

The remaining cuffs are finished-and what a sight they are…wow!  Fabulous efforts by some enthusiastic  and very talented students-love what we accomplished…♥♥♥

Textured Treasure

Scrub & Scrub More.

Cuffs on parade

Copper inlays

Maap Gas, Propane and Butane…we had it all going in the shop today! These ladies were on a mission and focused on cuffs. Lots of ’em. They bent, twisted and pounded more metal than any class I’ve ever had, and worked up quite a sweat…I am so impressed and running out of words to describe the gorgeous creations they came up with! Many of the pieces are still being completed-come back and see the rest in a day or two and please leave a comment !

New Workshop registrations now open for September 20th, 2014.  Join me for a fun-packed session where you will learn the basics of wire bending and forming, applications of patinas, basic soldering and more.  You will learn how to weave tiny treasures into this cage-style necklace form, and leave with severable wearable pieces AND the skills to continue creating on your own.  Seating is very limited so contact me to reserve a spot early!  email www.valleymetalarts.com for further details, being held at Creston, BC